A name that still resonates among the skate community, Christian Hosoi had the honor of designing a special colorway for the Vans Syndicate collection this season. Based on the Bash model made popular by WTAPS collaborations of the past, the colorways are signature Hosoi with a focus on black and red. The uppers are marked by different tonal contrasting materials including suede, perforated leather and quilted leather. Available now at Caliroots.
There's no denying that Claw Money likes to keep busy. One look at her cash roll of collaborations and you begin to wonder... when does this lady chillax? Thank god for her recent Vans launch party in Long Beach, California. A quick tan sesh in the midst of business is the only way to do it for this money maker. From smashing out killer designs for Nike, Boost, My Little Pony and (as we've just learnt) Calvin Klein, next stop is a sweet collection of apparel and footwear for Vans. With more bills to stack, Claw has decided that moving office smack-bang in the middle of all these shenanigans is the only way to go. You thought you worked hard? You ain't got nothing on the hustle of Claw Money!
Hey Claw, how's the big office move going? Well, at least I'm not dead. Please someone remind me never to move again. I have too much stuff to be making whimsical and fancy free decisions. We are still unpacking boxes!
Does the upscaling daunt you or do you embrace the change of environment and pace with open arms? I have always bitten off more than I can chew, and somehow still manage to get things done. I thrive off the pressure and the actual tasks of hard work. Really if I have nothing to do, or look forward to, that would be more frightening than piles of looming projects.
Yeah well, not many people would realize just how hard the Claw hustle is... At any given time, how many projects are you working on? Right now we are working on about three projects for the brand, I'm toying with the idea of starting a new magazine and am about to launch another clothing label. Not to mention making art for gallery shows and styling. Hustle, hustle, hustle. It keeps me young.
It never stops! Most would know the big sneaker brand collabos, but don't generally see the full spectrum of what you do. Just how satisfying is creating and working on projects that might not get as much shine as your Vans colab or your Nike shoe? I view all my collaborations as different ways to reach a variety of people and demographics. ‘Sneaker culture' has its devout fans with hundreds upon hundreds of websites and blogs, so sometimes those type of projects get blasted out on a larger level. But we are still a best-kept secret among the uber cool and fashion elite. We are working really hard on changing that. My message is one of empowerment - for women and girls naturally, but really it should inspire anyone male or female, young or old. Mine is a story of a self starter who wouldn't take no for an answer and blasted through stereotypes to say what I had to say. Now I want to bring that message to the masses.
The summer season clothing dropped not long ago, so you've got that kettle of fish to fry as well. How much of the work is delegated to Team Claw and what is your input from a CEO perspective? So really I couldn't do what I do - which is a little bit of everything and a lot of hullabaloo, without the support of my staff. There are not enough hours in the day to get everything done even when employing a full time staff of four and a bunch of part timers. And we can't forget our army of interns. They are all important to every aspect of the business. I value everyone's input and am dependent on them to keep things running smoothly so I can look like a true flawless genius.
What 's the most lucrative part of the empire for you in terms of re-investing in the Claw Money brand - is it the clothing line, the collaborations, blogue.us.... All the things I do hinge upon one another, so even if something is not making income it can help the greater good of the brand at large. The collabos fund the clothing line, the line funds the new businesses and the blog - but they all work together like a big well oiled Ferris wheel, going round and round.
Speaking of collaborations, tell us about working with Vans. How did this all start popping off? It seems like ages since we first heard you were doing something special with the brand. I really respect and admire Vans the brand. I also really appreciate that they do concentrate on their womens division with so much love and care. And I love the team at Vans. I knew them from when I was Fashion Director at Swindle. One day my crew and I were sitting around the office thinking about who we would like to get down with... We were like ‘Yes let's do a Vans!' So I emailed my peeps over there and said, ‘You know what would be awesome? Claw x Vans!' They agreed and we started on the project immediately.
Is it difficult to trend forecast that far in advance? I don't worry about forecasting as I really feel like I set the pace for a lot of trends. Really you just have to trust your own taste level, jump in feet first and act like you know.
Is this the first time you've designed apparel with the signature Claw icon that wasn't for your own brand? I actually designed three seasons of a clothing line for a brand way back in 2004 that was just released in Europe that was a ‘Claw' capsule collection. And also my collection of sleepwear and lingerie for Calvin Klein in 2005, so it wasn't so different. But no, I've never made socks - so that was rad.
Tell us about how you chose the silhouettes for the two sneakers in the pack. What makes them connect with the Claw brand? I chose the silhouettes based off the stuff I'm into right now. I love some low key, non tech low tops and as you already know, I'm a huge fan of all things high tops. But I am sick of the over the top sneakers with super bright colors. I was thinking ‘What do I want to wear?' Something that makes a statement without being too loud, something that sets you apart but doesn't scream ‘Look at me.'
Top it off with some socks, it's a sweet little package... why no skate board? I'm sure there's a bucket load of skater chicks out there who love to shred on a Claw board! I don't know why we didn't insist on doing a skateboard. Totally an oversight on my part! Now that you mention it, I need to get on that ASAP.
We've seen the teaser shots online but when and where will the whole collection be available? They are available NOW! And if you buy them onwww.store.clawmoney.com you get a free grab bag item with each shoe purchase. Why not, we love our customers and we want to hook them up!
What's up next for you - I'm sure surviving this mammoth move is number one on the list! I am right now boarding a plane heading to Long Beach, California to launch this Vans capsule and party like it's 1999. Hard at work designing Spring 2011 then going right into designing and conceptualizing Fall 11 while completing our production of Fall and Holiday 10. Trying to make time for my family and friends who sometimes are not sympathetic to what it takes to keep a small company running (no free time) and working on a killer tan.
Vans celebrated its collaborative effort with Stussy on its “Baile” style with a launch party, which took place at the ’30s-themed Suffragette Lounge in Los Angeles this past Tuesday, with DJ Harvey mixing up the music. The image above features a black, patent version of the Baile, which is one of those classic shoes that can be part of your wardrobe forever. Many more images courtesy of Vans p.r. champ Maria after the flip. You can also check out even more at Vans/Stussy.
The Left Over Milk provides us with some coverage of the recent Vans OTW launch in Philly. The event took place at popular retailer UBIQ, with appearances by Eric Elms, Dimitri Coste, and The Blackouts (Ako and Atiba Jefferson), all key members of the OTW initiative. Following recent OTW launches, the event looked like yet another good time out. Images of the night are offered below.
Yves Saint Laurent and director Ari Marcopoulos offer Hypebeast an exclusive look into “No Way Back”, a short film representing the vision of Yves Saint Laurent Creative Director Stefano Pilati’s 2011 Spring/Summer collection. The short film focuses on influential tattoo artist Mark Mahoney and his Hollywood institution, the Shamrock Social Club. As a talented creative spanning photography and filmmaking, Ari Marcopoulos’ resume includes a wealth of exhibitions, published books and collaborative projects with Supreme, Nike, Vans and Stussy among others.
Former 3sixteen associate Chris Watchorn has been busy in his hometown of Winnipeg, Canada as he prepares the launch of his art project titled, The 1 of 1 Project. Bringing together a talented mix of artists, a blank Vans sneaker becomes the canvas for each personality. The ultimate goal was to both promote and grow the local Winnipeg creative scene alongside raising funds for The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Winnipeg. Among the participants for this notable cause include Mark Dean Veca, Phil Annand, Larry Luk as well as Watchhorn himself. The artist sneakers will be auctioned off on June 25th via eBay with more details and looks into the respective atist submissions seen over at The 1 of 1 Project website. The video seen above documents Chris Clarke and his process.
The last time we took a look at the Nike Air Court Ballistic 2.3 it was when we were looking at it for the special version of the Roland Garros pack. A lot of people were in agreement that the shoe was very nice and that it looked like it would perform very well on the tennis court. In case you weren’t a fan of the previous colorway, now we have just received news about a new version of the shoe. This is the new Nike Air Court Ballistic 2.3 Neon Nadal.
This sneaker will feature an upper that is made up of hot lime, nano gray and black. The upper of the shoe features a flexible Dragon X upper that will allow for extreme speed, comfort and mobility. An exact release date for this sneaker is still unknown, but it is expected to land in retailers sometime later this month.
Originally previewed earlier this year, Vans unveils official images of its upcoming Tortoise Shell pack for Fall 2010. Featured in this lineup will be both the Zapato Del Barco and Era 59, each boasting uppers consisting of canvas bases with leather highlights. A release is expected in July 2010 through finer Vans retail accounts. See more at Vans 2010 Fall Tortoise Shell Pack
Continuing with its inaugural OTW campaign, Vans presents this new video highlighting the work of Eric Elms and his involvement within the OTW initiative. Amongst other things, Elms takes us on a tour of his everyday, exploring the many facets that bring together this well-rounded creative. Enjoy!
With the brunt of the Stussy 30th anniversary releases catering more to the male demographic, Stussy Girls introduces an upcoming collaboration with Vans on the Bailie model. In a departure from Vans’ usual vulcanized offerings, the Bailie features a subtle brogue motif on the toebox in the shape of the Stussy Links logo. Two colors are seen with a release date estimated to be in the near future.
For the upcoming 2010 Fall/Winter Collection, Vans California has produced three slick pairs of Classic Slip-Ons. The all leather design features the entire front panel made of woven checkerboard tones. The series are being released in colors that are extremely versatile and timeless. Colorways include: Peacoat (navy blue), Palm Desert (brown) and Black. The release is slotted to drop in July 2010. View the full collection below.
First released back in 1977, the Authentic has been loved by many surfers, skaters and BMX riders from its inception through today. Vans’s latest version mixes a suede and canvas upper and adopts a simple grid design on the upper panel. Complete with white outsole and matching laces the Grid Authentics are available exclusively over at Oshman’s in Japan. See more at Vans 2010 Summer Collection “Grid” Authentic
Here is a first glimpse of girls oxfords from the very great pairing of two iconic brands, Vans and Stussy. Not sure when these hit retail, but there’s a launch event later this month so I’m guessing you’ll see them go on sale in July. Thanks to Vans p.r. champ Maria for the image!
Continuing with the Vans California previews for Fall/Winter 2010 we get a peek into two upcoming versions of the Switchback. A popular model as of late, the kicks get another set of simple looks as we see a bison/black suede colorway and black leather option. Both looks to drop in July 2010 via finer Vans California retail accounts. See more at Vans California 2010 Fall/Winter Switchback
Sydney art-fashion label King of Nothing recently held their first official launch party, Canvas to Cotton, at which these colourful custom critters were spied. Each Vans Sk8-Hi is a one-of-one original… if you’re interested in scoring them contact the KON crew here. For more about the brand check out the King of Nothing website.
Landing at select Vans California accounts is this new pack of one piece authentics, a contemporary play on the classic design. Three different color options are featured within this release, including denim blue, dune, and black canvas selections. Look for these now via Bows & Arrows.
Bows & Arrows [MAP] 2513 Telegraph Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 United States Phone: 510-649-6683
VANS has released a new collection of One Piece Authentic sneakers from their California Collection. The three new colorways of the One Piece Authentic come in a canvas upper and are available in either Denim Blue, Dune, or Black. Each colorway features a tonal VANS tag near the ankle and White outsoles to give the shoe a cleaner aesthetic. The VANS California Collection One Piece Authentic is available now at Bows and Arrows.
Following a successful Spring campaign, Vans brings back its Hemp Pack for Fall 2010, this time done up in four additional color choices. Offered are desert palm, black/mid grey, charcoal/navy, and pale khaki/black versions, all featuring hemp uppers with recycled rubber soles. Look for these soon via select Vans retail accounts.
Previewed are three upcoming colorways of Vans’ Zapato Del Barco, all part of the brand’s California range for Fall/Winter 2010. Black, olive, and dune versions are offered, all taking on a solid makeup of nubuck uppers. Look for these in July 2010 via finer Vans California stockists. See more at Vans California 2010 Fall/Winter Zapato Del Barco
The California Era sees a few more pairs of its popular wingtip model released for the summer. This drop features black, navy and dark grey colorways, with a suede upper, metal eyelets, and a red pinstripe atop a white vulcanized sole. Being that the shoes are not a vault release, they might only be available at select California Vans stockists. See more at Vans California 2010 Fall/Winter Era Wingtip
![king-of-nothing-5-1 [NEWSFLASH] KING OF NOTHING VANS CUSTOMS](http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/images/articles/king-of-nothing-5-1.jpg "[newsflash] King Of Nothing Vans Customs")
