As an artist who championed the underground and pioneered the fusion between low and high culture that’s so prominent in art (and all forms of creative experssion, for that matter) – it’s easy to see why Williams was an easy pick for Vans, who themselves have brought DIY skate culture to global masses in their 50 year history. The collection takes three paintings by Williams – Flaming Cobras, Malfeasance and Jalapeña – and pastes them onto updated versions of Vans’ classic Sk8-Hi, Authentic and Slip-On.
With the paintings sprawling all over the upper bodies, soles and in-soles, it’s a complete Williams takeover that gives justice to the immense details of his original works. And since we are dealing with #art here, the packaging game has also been taken to the next level, which is sure to please all meticulous sneaker nerds and add to the whole experience of the product. See all three iterations below, which will be available on July 23 from Above The Clouds in Sydney, Highs & Lows in Perth, Up There in Melbourne and Laced in Brisvegas. You can find all the crucial information on the collection via Vans right here: