words // Zac Dubasik
Over the years, some of Vans most popular collaborations have been those featuring classic band artwork. And for 2014's SXSW, they'll be re-releasing 150 pairs each of the Circle Jerks, Motorhead, Bad Brains, and Rise Against models.
Beginning March 12th, each day, 50 pairs will be available at the pop-up shop inside the Vans Village at SXSW, followed by 100 pairs being made available on Vans.com the following day. Check out the schedule and details below, courtest of Vans.
Wednesday, March 12 – Circle Jerks Vans Old Skool
Released in 2007, the Vans x Circle Jerks Old Skool was based on the cover of Group Sex, the band's 1980 debut album, a landmark release in the hardcore punk genre. Vans designers worked with the band on the construction of the original release and they personally requested that the typically suede and leather Old Skool be produced in all-over canvas in consideration for their vegan fans. Group Sex artwork is featured over a stitched Vans Sidestripe and includes bright yellow pop color on the heel tab and waffle outsole. The Circle Jerks Old Skool will be released on March 12 at the Vans Village and will retail for $70.
Thursday, March 13 – Motörhead II Vans Rowley Classic
The Motörhead II Vans Rowley Classic hit skate shops exclusively back in 2006 and was the second collaboration between Vans and Motörhead. The all-over black aesthetic was chosen by lead vocalist and bass player, Lemmy Kilmister, which gave the classic skate shoe a stealth look with only a hit of color on the Vans heel tab, tongue and embroidered Motörhead logo. The Motörhead II Vans Rowley Classic is available March 13 and will retail for $70.
Friday, March 14 – Bad Brains Vans Sk8-Hi
Once sold exclusively at Supreme, the Vans x Bad Brains Sk8-Hi was one of three styles that were released in a limited run in 2009. The band worked alongside the Vans design team to showcase their iconic lightning bolt logo from their first self-titled, full-length 1982 album on the sidewall and waffle outsole of the Sk8-Hi. The Bad Brains Vans Sk8-Hi will once again be released for a limited time on March 14 and will retail for $75.
Saturday, March 15 – Rise Against Classic Slip-On
Music fans will remember the original 2010 release of the Rise Against Classic Slip-On which was the second project between Rise Against and Vans after the huge success of the first partnership in 2007. The Classic Slip-On showcases the artwork from the band’s 2008 album Appeal to Reason. It was, as the prior release, entirely free of animal-related materials in consideration of the band's vegan sensibilities as well as their fans. The Rise Against Classic Slip-On will retail for $65 and is the final Vans re-issue release that will close out the last day of SXSW.
