Vans and San Diego’s BLENDS will host a series of in-store experiences this season, all of which highlight collections from Vans Vault, Classics, California Collection, and OTW. Today brings news of the Vault by Vans x Taka Hayashi Collection Launch at BLENDS which will showcase the designer’s work with a special event on Friday, March 8th. At the event, BLENDS will also release a limited edition Vans Sk8-Hi (limited to 200 pairs) which celebrates the shop’s 10th anniversary. Read more about the event and collaboration below:
Taka continues to put his indelible stamp on Vans’ classic silhouettes as well as push the boundaries of conventional sneaker design through his signature line utilizing rich Horween leather and Vibram outsoles. With the 8th installment of his signature line, Taka has taken the next step and immersed himself in the creation of a small apparel capsule consisting of five signature pieces. His footwear inspiration for this season was infused with cues from mountaineering. Laces, toe pieces, and outsoles transport a boot aesthetic molded into sneaker design elements that tie these silhouettes back to Taka’s roots and reflect his skillful expressiveness.
A self-taught illustrator, painter and graphic designer, Taka Hayashi was born in Yokohama, Japan. At nine, he found himself transplanted to Santa Monica, CA together with his family, where he was poised to collide with a defining moment and place of skateboard history. Having come of age in this iconic era, it has remained a constant companion and key influence in his life art, and design. His indelible mark on Vans’ classic silhouettes and tireless effort to challenge conventions of sneaker design can be felt in every piece he touches.
In addition, Blends will be releasing a special edition Sk8-HI in honor of their 10-year anniversary residency in Southern California. This collaboration shoe will be limited to 200 pairs and was designed by Blends’ co-founder, Tak. As an avid fan of motorcycle culture, he drew his inspiration for materials and design from an old pair of motorcycle gloves.
Please join us Friday March 8 at Blends San Diego from 6pm-9pm. There will be an art showcase by Taka Hayashi, hosted beverages, music and much more. Please RSVP at rsvptovans@gmail.com. Subject: Blends Event.