words // Brennan Hiro Williams
Vault by Vans and Philadelphia's UBIQ present a new collaborative collection, releasing this holiday season at select retailers. The two-shoe collection features unique graphics by renowned Japanese artist Hiroshi Hirakawa of Three Tides Tattoo shop.
Before becoming a tattoo artist, Hiroshi Hirakawa developed his craft in ukiyo-e, a classic Japanese genre, painting images of the 'floating world.' Hirakawa incorporates these techniques into his tattoo art today, featuring traditional subjects with a contemporary twist.
For the new UBIQ x Vans Vault Collection, Hiroshi Hirakawa's work is featured on the Era LX and Sk8-Hi, with the upper of each shoe depicting a samurai carrying a UBIQ sashimono into battle against a fearsome dragon. Hirakawa's artwork also covers the packaging of each shoe, completing the collector's pack.
The UBIQ x Vans Vault Collection will release at UBIQ on Saturday, November 9.
