They’re the sneakers favoured by creatives and a founding force of skate culture, and now Vans is tying together pop culture and fine art — teaming up with New York’s Museum of Modern Art for a new capsule collection. The joys of self-expression and individuality are the commonality between these two creative powerhouses, and some of the MoMA’s most famous pieces feature on limited-edition footwear.
First launched in September of this year — a drop that included prints adapted from work by Salvador Dalí, Vasily Kandinsky and Claude Monet, as well as some MoMA branded kicks — this latest release sees the collection expanded to include classic Vans sneakers bearing the work of Faith Ringgold, Jackson Pollock, Edvard Munch and Lyubov Popova (plus a range of apparel).
One of the most famous artworks in the world, Munch’s ‘The Scream’ has been reinterpreted as a repeat-print across Vans Era sneakers, a hoodie, a t-shirt and a backpack, using the striking monochrome lithograph the artist made in 1895.
Jackson Pollocks’ Expressionist work is an apt choice for footwear, which frequently showcases the rigours of daily life. His ‘One: Number 31, 1950’ has been given the Vans treatment — splashed across Vans Authentics.
For lovers of the bright and bold, multidisciplinary artist Faith Ringgold has had two of her vibrant poster art pieces, ‘Woman Free Yourself 1971’ and ‘Freedom Woman Now 1971’, translated onto Vans Eras; while her abstract work ‘The Windows of the Wedding’ has influenced the brand’s Classic Slip-On. Ringgold fans can also pick up a bucket hat and long sleeve t-shirt.
A pioneering Cubo-Futurist, Lyubov Popova’s dynamic Constructivist work from 1917 is still bold and relevant today, and complements the structural aesthetic of Vans’ Sk8-Hi design. Art fans and sneakerheads will be able to take their pick of a concise yet thoroughly creative range, all sure to become collector’s pieces.
Available in stores and online at Vans.co.nz
