Angelo Baque’s brand AWAKE NY has already collaborated with big names in sneakers (several articles available on this site), but never with Vans. Now it’s done ! An association linking the East and West coasts has just surfaced. The New York imprint brings its touch to the legendary Sk8-Hi silhouette.
This first ever collaboration was unveiled in a lookbook featuring rapper Westside Gunn and directed by Shaniqwa Jarvis.
Speaking about this groundbreaking partnership, Angelo Baque said : « It’s exciting that Awake NY can serve as a conduit between the East and West Coasts. A partner like Vans truly complements us, and vice versa ». « As with all our collaborations, the community is the foundation. We’re looking forward to working with Fresh Youth Initiatives, and Children of Promise, NY. With the power of Vans, Greenhouse, and Foot Locker behind us, we’re truly able to make a difference ».
The iconic silhouette comes to us in 3 bold colorways : Black/Pink/Blue, Blue/Red and Green/Blue.
Vans’ legendary checkerboard pattern is featured, covering the side panels. The technique has been modernized, the checkerboards have been digitally printed. Other elements, such as the toe box, tongue, eyelets and heel, appear in solid black, blue or green, depending on the pair. White topstitching and contrasting laces in lagoon blue, neon yellow and bright red, respectively, accentuate the bold look of each version. To affirm the collab, the AWAKE branding is embroidered on the front of the side foot. A white side stripe and sole add the finishing touch.
The AWAKE NY x Vans Sk8-Hi in 3 colorways will be released on October 15, 2021 at AWAKE NY, followed by a launch via the Greenhouse app on October 20, before arriving at Foot Locker on October 22, 2021. The price is set at 90$ per colorway.
