Vans and Awake NY merge for coast-to-coast collaboration

Vans and Angelo Baque’s Awake NY fuse their brands’ identities for a bi-coastal collaboration that embodies three takes on the Classic Sk8-Hi. Vans’ classic California cool blends harmoniously with Awake NY’s New York roots – melding together a unique spin on Vans’ classic checkerboard pattern.

The collection is spotlighted in a special lookbook that features designer, recording artist, and founder of Griselda Records, Westside Gunn. The lookbook was shot through the lens of storied photographer, Shaniqwa Jarvis.

Arriving in combinations of pink/black, green/blue and blue/red, each style features Batik swatches – which  use a wax-resistant dye and a digitally printed checkerboard pattern.

The incorporation of nuanced details through edge-painted side stripes is amplified by Awake NY‘s logo – which is subtly injected on the shoe’s lateral forefront. To finalize each look, notable details from Vans are emossed throughout – white jazz strip on the quarters, suede toe boxes, and white vulcanized midsoles.

“It’s exciting that Awake NY can serve as a conduit between the East and West Coast. A partner like Vans truly complements us, and vice versa,” Awake NY founder Angelo Baque said. “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 Vans x Awake NY sneakers are available now via Awake NY website. It will also be sold exclusively on Greenhouse on October 20th and at Foot Locker on October 22nd.