Timberland. The North Face. Moncler. These are just a handful of the names that East London design studio RÆBURN has collaborated with. And now there’s one more label to add to that already-impressive catalog of partnerships: the almighty skate dudes, Vans.
Collaboration is evidently very important to RÆBURN. The collision of people, ideas, and processes gives way to innovative new products. In this latest collab, celebrated Vans styles have been reimagined according to RÆBURN’s responsible and technical design ethos, with a host of recycled and plant-based materials.
Let’s start with the all important footwear department. There are four items on offer, comprising two colorways of the classic Sk8-Hi and Old Skool sneakers. Both come in either a dark camouflage print with black detailing, or an all-black version with contrasting orange logo labels and heel pulls. The iconic styles have been reimagined with some RÆBURN design cues such as GORE-TEX® to keep your feet dry as we enter the rainy months. The Sk8-Hi’s also come equipped with a rubber toe cap and ankle buckle for extra technical detailing.
Both the Sk8-Hi GTX VR3 and the Old Skool GTX VR3 feature a VR3Cush™ footbed, made with at least 25 percent bio-based EVA foam, partially derived from plants. And the outer is the VR3Waffle outsole made with a proprietary compound containing at least 25 percent natural rubber. It promises the same grip and durability that Vans is known and loved for. We love the use of plant-based materials and natural rubber in such a technical and performance focused shoe. Hopefully we’ll see that 25 percent figure going up in the next iteration of this partnership.
Over in the apparel section, you’ll find a matching fleece tracksuit. This cozy yet technical Sherpa fleece is also available in the camo and all-black colorways, although the camo print here is much brighter and more colorful than on the sneakers. On the jacket, the fluffy body is contrasted with hard shell nylon sleeves while the pants feature the same paneling on the legs. Both are made with 100 percent recycled polyester and are detailed with multiple zippered pockets and elasticated waists and cuffs.
To wear under the tracksuit, there’s a short and long-sleeve cotton jersey tee, adorned with both brand’s logos. And if you really want to go all out on the collection, there’s a rolltop backpack made with 100 percent nylon, two knitted beanies and a camo-print neck gaitor so that you can really wrap up this winter. I’ve also seen a pretty cool ripstop camo turtle soft toy, that may or may not be for sale. We’ll have to wait and see.
The Vans x RÆBURN collection will be available at select retailers and on Vans.com from November 18. (Let us know if you come across that turtle anywhere.)