Sneaker News Chinese retailer COSTS is reconnecting with Vans for a collaboration rooted in traditional craft. Following a growing catalog of footwear projects with brands including ASICS, Saucony, and Vans, COSTS has reworked two of the California brand’s most recognizable silhouettes for a new collection releasing exclusively in China.
The centerpiece of both designs is an intricate woven pattern inspired by Chinese dragon boats and the country’s longstanding tradition of bamboo weaving. According to COSTS, the contrasting color palette draws from natural elements including bamboo and zongzi leaves, further connecting the footwear to the materials and traditions surrounding the craft.
That inspiration fits right in with the way the Authentic and Slip-On is constructed; both silhouettes typically rely on straightforward canvas constructions, allowing the woven surfaces to become the defining feature without losing the unmistakable shapes of either model. COSTS branding appears via hits on the heel of both, and matching t-shirts (two options) are also secured for the drop.
The COSTS x Vans Authentic and Slip-On release on August 29th exclusively through COSTS in China. No wider global launch has been announced, so peep the gallery ahead to get a closer look.
