Author: Bradley Martinez
One silhouette that has seen a range of releases already this year, the Air Jordan III is back for its latest. Following on from the ‘Fire Red’ release from earlier in the year, we now take a look at a similar colour blocked iteration, this time however in a Varsity Royal.
The upper has been constructed in an all over tumbled leather with complementing blue Jordan logo on the tongue.
To enter the ONLINE raffle (UK applicants only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase their raffle win via a unique link. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
For our latest Footpatrol Discussions, we sat down with Vans Vault legend, Taka Hayashi. Continuing to bring his unique craftsmanship to the Van’s Vault line ever since his first coming together with the brand back in 2005, Hayashi brings his keen eye for detail to his latest SS20 collection taking iconic Vans details and making them his own.
Read what Hayashi had to say about his journey and how he came about ending up with his own name line.
Footpatrol: Hey Taka, hope you are keeping well! Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. For the readers who may not be familiar with yourself could you give a short introduction into who you are and what you do for VANS?
Taka Hayashi: Hi Sam, happy to talk to you! I’m currently the head designer for Vans Vault. I’ve been designing Vault since 2006. I was born in Yokohama, Japan and moved to California as a young kid, where I grew up skating and making art. I currently live in Los Angeles.
FP: Can you tell us a little about your design background? Before shoes, I read that you had your own t-shirt label stocked in Union? And worked on designs for the likes of stussy?
T: Before my time at Vans, I was initially a graphic designer/ illustrator. I had my t-shirt line stocked at Union and Supreme. I also worked for Stussy as a graphic designer and illustrator.
FP: From there you did your first project with Vans in 2005 and began working full time shortly after? How was it in those early years working at VANS? Surely so much to learn yet living the dream for someone who grew up skateboarding in California.
T: It was right after the launch of my Syndicate project in late 2005 that I received an offer from Vans to work on the Skate line. it was a dream to work for a company that I grew up with and respected. It was a lot to take in and adjust coming from a graphic design and apparel background. In the early years, the changes were already happening with all the heritage classic models coming back with the launch of the Z-boys documentary. I think the Z-boys story really helped with the importance of the Vans roots in skateboarding. It was cool to see alI the kids romanticizing of that era and rocking slip-on’s and authentic’s. I also remember around 99’, thinking how cool and rebellious Geoff Rowly looked skating in red authentics. It was so fresh to the eyes since all skate shoes at the time looked so bloated.
FP: You are now the Head Footwear Designer for Vans VAULT and have your own name line of product for the brand. From your experience of hanging out in Skateshops and designing t-shirts to where you are now, what advice would you like to give to the next generation who are trying to make their way in design?
T: Immerse yourself within your area of interest. Connect with people who have similar levels of creativity & passion. Keep working hard at what you’re truly passionate about whether it’s graphic design or fashion. Don’t be afraid to take risks & make mistakes, as good things tend to come out of it. Make sure to stay mentally strong and don’t fall off your path.
FP: Onto design itself you work across core vault lines, collaborations and your own line. How do you differentiate your approach to each project?
T: It was difficult at first trying to focus on numerous projects, but through time you learn to manage and differentiate each project by switching your design mindset. I usually start off designing the new models for my capsule, inline Vault, and bringing back a few of the silhouettes from the archive. Then I move on to colors and prints for the Originals, Vlt, and my signature TH capsule. At the same time, I’m working on collaborations, which probably takes the most time since it’s through partnership.
FP: The Taka Hayashi line to me is one we have stocked at Footpatrol for years and each season it seems to evolve yet remain true to itself with influences drawn from travel, craftsmanship, native american culture and the Ainu people of Japan. What are the first steps you take when commencing upon a new season?
T: Usually, I start off with travels, visiting the local flea markets, and checking out bookstores. Music is a huge part of my life, & is very inspiring to my design. Many of the influences mentioned above are already ingrained in my design aesthetic. It’s about adding and updating to that look, giving fresh perspective. I think then, you still stay true to what you’re known for.
FP: Many people would say a pair of VANS gets better the more it’s worn, skated in, worn to a party, etc.. Yet a pair of Taka Hayashi Vans with their premium materials and intricate details are somewhat the pair I imagine a skater switching to for an occasion. Do you design the ranges with a specific audience in mind?
T: Vans do get better worn in, especially in canvas. It adds character to the shoes. With my collection, I think about the Vans audience who want the heritage look, but with extra details, premium materials, and unique color combinations.
FP: You have a new collection launching very soon, featuring the Style 98 LX, SK8-Lo Reissue LX and Style 47 LX, some models that may have not been seen for some years now and they are dressed in a QR code inspired print. Can you shed some light on this collection and why these models? Will we see more of them filter down into the wider VAULT range?
T: The Style 98 LX is a model that I brought back from the archive and reworked. I was drawn to the interesting paneling and the aesthetic of the late 90’s skate shoe. The Style 98 now sits on a modern last to give more of a sleek sculpted look with added details. I kept the materials and colors simple with a premium aniline leather and suede since the shoe itself already has a lot going on with details and paneling.
The Sk8-Lo Reissue is something that I reimagined as it were designed in the 80’s along with the Sk8-Hi. We had sk8-lo’s from not too long ago through the Skate and the Classics category, but never with the thinner eye row panel. I also updated the design with a sculpted collar and heel to give a bit of the retro football cleats look. The medial side has metal vent holes for extra breathability. The graphic was inspired by the QR code, which was invented in Japan, and our heritage checkerboard print. I thought the connection of the two graphics were a perfect blend since it pays homage to Vans and to the Japanese designer who created the QR code.
The Style 47 is also brought back from the archive and reworked with added details. I love this silhouette because of the multi functionality. The heel folds down to a mule which is great for traveling through airports where you often need to take your shoes off or on quickly. It’s also good for just running quick errands outside, whether you go water your plants outside, or bike ride to the corner market. Overall, it’s an easy effortless shoe with style. The materialization of the shoe is inspired by the vintage Czech military liner with hits of rubberized screen print on the heel seams to stop slippage when folded down. Military style webbing with vent holes were added on the medial side for the upcoming summer months.
FP: Given everything that’s currently going on in the world right now, i am particularly impressed with the community spirit, the challenges, the competitions, the live workouts and so on. I think it’s amazing to see people coming together through hardship. What are you currently doing to keep active and inspired during these times?
T: I think it’s amazing to see many communities coming together and helping one another. I hope the community spirit stays strong post covd-19. Since lock-down, I’ve been going through my library of books and researching online to stay inspired. To keep active, It’s a shuffle of going on bike rides to the beach, skating, or taking a long walk around the neighborhood.
FP: And given its trainers that brought us all together originally and we are all spending a lot of time indoors lately. We would like to know what your go to is for the below:
Working out – Authentic/Slip-ons for skating
Casual every day – OG Vans Style 47 (Changes seasonally)
Impressing someone – vintage made in USA Vans or TH shoes
Staying at home – Babouche slippers
FP: Taka, thank you for taking the time out to drop knowledge with us today! Would you have any last words for the readers?
T: Thanks for reading and thank you for the support.
Thank you,
Stay Safe,
#TEAMFP
After taking us through a selection of his top five bespoke Air Force 1’s, Mark Whitfield is back to do a part two within our Footpatrol Meets series.
This time however, he makes it a little different by showcasing six rare sneakers within his collection… without straying too far away from the Air Force 1 silhouette of course!
This latest collection takes us through some very highly sought after pairs and also some, that you may not have seen before? Being a professional photographer, Mark has kindly gone to the effort of creating some detailed for us to all admire.
After a sneak peak earlier in the year, we finally see the arrival of the Air Jordan 4 ‘Red Metallic’.
Having been shown in an array of colour ways since its launch in 1989, the Air Jordan IV has made its way into the iconic sector. For Summer 2020, Jordan Brand take it back to basics with a perfectly put together iteration that’s dressed in a stark, all white leather disguise.
Giving the details a burst of live, the AJ4 receives a welcome dash of colour via its University Red metallic tongue, lace cage and heel.
To sign up to the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Applicants Only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase their raffle win via a unique link. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
With its anniversary, Nike have been revisiting past colour ways and new, showing the versatility this silhouette has to offer with this latest iteration in a striking example of that.
Though jewellery isn’t a new thing to be seen added to a Nike, (you only have to think back to last years collaboration with Comme Des Garcons for another example) the removable bracelet blends perfectly well with the amazing mix of earthy tones within the upper.
To sign up to the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Applicants Only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase their raffle win via a unique link. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Not frightened to express itself in vibrant colours, the ‘Rage Green’ is the next instalment into the Air Jordan 1 ‘Zoom’ franchise.
Keeping that same, instantly recognisable design as the iconic AJ1, the ‘Zoom’ takes the comfort levels up a notch with a full length zoom unit underfoot.
Having previously released in a clean all white/grey with vibrant bursts of blue hues, this latest iteration features a black leather upper with pops of green in a hairy like suede.
To sign up to the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Applicants Only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase their raffle win via a unique link. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
After the recent release of the Air Jordan XI ‘Gym Red’ iteration, the silhouette is back but this time in a ‘Concord’ Colourway that is especially for the women sneaker heads out there.
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the AJ11’s came with inspirations of a drop top, luxury convertible with its bold sweeping leather mudguard being its stand out feature. Sticking to its classic use of colour blocking, this ‘Concord’ iteration sticks with a rich blue across the centre piece whilst the rest of the upper is finished in a stark white leather.
To sign up to the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Applicants Only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase their raffle win via a unique link. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
To mark the one year anniversary of our real talks series in conjunction with Future Bubblers we return for a new online series hosted across the Footpatrol Instagram live.
Last year as part of Soho music month we partnered with Future Bubbler for a series of talks in our London store these talks were held to a small intimate audience and was an open, safe environment where no question was seen as too basic, too bold or too blue sky.
The initial series of events was really well received by those who attended and this year in line with current restrictions we are taking the series online and open for anyone to join in from the comfort of their home.
For the next three weeks we’ll have an open conversation across three big music industry topics for grass roots artists. We’ll have an expert joining us live to help answer the most common questions they receive from up and coming artists. They’ll also address the other side of the coin – if you’re looking to get into the music business side of those areas covering management, radio and press/PR.
June 17th – Up first we have a discussion on Management with Adex – who is CEO of Manchester based entertainment agency Northern Quarterz who represent the likes of Aitch and many other upcoming artists and producers.
June 24th – Our second talk is with Parris O’loughlin-Hoste who was named 2018’s Rising Star at the Music Week Women awards. As a music publicist for Wired PR Parris will discuss the world of Press and PR within the music industry.
July 1st – To close out the series we turn to Gilles Peterson who was on the opening discussion of last year’s series. Gilles who’s extensive career as a DJ, record label owner and broadcaster of Worldwide FM will talk about the importance of Radio within the industry.
Each talk will take place on our Instagram Live from 7 – 8PM and hosted by Amy & Selassie of the Future Bubblers team.
We look forward to seeing you there and answering any comments you may have!
Following on from the latest Government regulations, we’re excited to announce that our London store will be re-opening on the 15th June.
Although we’re looking forward to inviting you all back to the store and back to the streets of Soho, we’ll be implementing extra safety measures within the store to make sure it is an environment safe for both you and our staff so we’d really appreciate it if you took a minute to look over the actions we’ll have in place to make this possible. For more information, CLICK HERE!
Below, you’ll also find our re-opening raffle we’ve put in place to to celebrate the re-opening giving you another chance to get your hands on some special pairs. One entry per model, multiple entries will be cancelled.
The raffle ends Sunday 14th June. Winners will be notified from Monday 15th June. Winners will be given instructions on how book an appointment to collect their win.
To enter the LONDON IN-STORE re-opening raffle, CLICK HERE!
Good luck!
This premium AM90 has style coming out of its eyelets. Colours like hi-vis Total Orange meant to stand out and classic Duck Camo designed to blend in offer an aesthetic paradox that adds another chapter to the story of the silhouette that helped introduce sneakers to the world of fashion.
To sign up to the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK Applicants Only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase their raffle win via a unique link. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
