Gosha Rubchinskiy x Vans Authentic

If you've been paying attention to fashion in the past year, you might have heard of Gosha Rubchinskiy. With his clothes seen on style icons and probably your favorite rappers, his post-Soviet take on streetwear has been blowing up. Seen here is a small collection done in collaboration with Vans for SS 2016. The Authentic is the silhouette of choice this time around - with each colorway sitting on a black midsole with some Cyrillic text on the heel that probably says "I spent a little more than I should on a pair of Vans because I'm high fashion like that".

Cop a pair now at Hoodwink because they will not stay on shelves very long.

Vans "Late Night" Pack

Sometimes, the best thing to do on a late night is to get some food. Taking inspiration from that, Vans decked out some of the brand's classic sneaker silhouettes in trippy prints of pizza, french fries and other sweets and treats that'll get you craving. Look for the "Late Night" Classic Slip-Ons and Authentics at a Vans concept store near you.

Timeless sneakers that should blow up next year.

The fashion world's love affair with sneakers doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon. But then again, the fashion world is a crazy place. Nowadays, in this country at least, all the glory seems to go to classic, unassuming sneakers that a few years ago, were always available on the shelves of any shoe store you'd hit up. It's crazy to think that general release level sneakers would create lineups on the level of some limited edition drop. And folks who used to camp out to make a quick buck on Air Jordans are now trying to flip Stan Smiths and Superstars just to cash in on the hype.

Don't get me wrong, both shoes are timeless and more than deserving of a spot in anyone's sneaker rotation. I'm just saying there are more shoes out there that are big on history, always available, and always look great on feet. So, here's a little rundown on timeless sneakers people should pay more attention to next year.

Vans x Disney Holiday 2015 Collection

Vans & Disney have been linking up for a while now, much to the delight of both and young at heart. Just in time for the holiday season, the two brands collaborate once again on a collection of footwear. This time around, the Classic Slip-On, Authentic and Sk8-Hi silhouettes will sport prints featuring characters from Disney's 101 Dalmatians, The Jungle Book, and Alice in Wonderland. If you're not too old for another pair of fun footwear in your rotation, check out a Vans concept store near you.

Gum Soled Old Skools are Always a Good Idea

Nothing fancy here. Just a trio of Vans Old Skools sitting on some gum soles. They dropped a while back, and they're still on shelves as of this weekend. They aren't the WTAPS collabs that released locally about a week ago, but command enough attention to make you think they were done in partnership with someone or some store. Great materials, clean execution, and done in colors that'll go with almost anything you throw on. Pick up a pair at Vans store near you. 

Vans x Zio Ziegler Footwear Collection

Vans, the California skate footwear institution keeps it close to home with this collaboration with San Francisco-based artist Zio Ziegler. Citing 90's graffiti and skateboard art as his influences, Ziegler's work is composed mainly of paintings and murals both large in scale and laced with detail. Aside from the walls of galleries and the offices of some of the biggest tech firms in the world, Ziegler's vibrant art style finds a new home on a Vans collection that includes an Authentic, Slip-On and Sk8-Hi. Whether you're an art lover or simply interested in a new pair of loud kicks for the summer, you can pick up a pair now at select Vans concept stores.

Vans x Sublime Sk8-Hi

California skate footwear brand Vans is hardly a stranger to collaborating with bands. Over the years, we've seen tie-ups with Slayer, Metallica, Bad Brains, and Kiss to name a few. This time around, they link up with Sublime, another California original. Borrowing artwork from the band's 1992 debut album, the print is used as an upper for the timeless Vans Sk8-Hi model, while the band's logo decorates the tongue and midsole as well. If you're a fan of the band's tunes, or just a fan of Vans in general, you better act fast as only 300 of these shoes will release through the Vans and Sublime websites.

Vans x Star Wars goes to the Dark Side

Following the release of their previous collaboration, Vans and Star Wars team up once again on another capsule collection of apparel, accessories, and classic footwear. Drawing inspiration this time from the Dark Side of The Force, silhouettes such as the Authentic, Era, Sk8-Hi, and Slip-On feature prints ranging from Stormtrooper helmets, Darth Vader, and a battle on Hoth.

In addition to the collection, Vans customs will be making a couple of Star Wars prints available for fans to further customize their shoes to their liking.

The collection dropped October 1. But with the warm reception the first collection received from local Vans collectors, hopefully local concept stores will have them on shelves soon. Check out the entire collection after the jump.

Vans Classics Vintage Pack

Just in time for fall, Vans reimagines two of the brand's most popular silhouettes in a palette of subtle and muted colors. The Authentic and Old-Skool are constructed with suede uppers, sporting a range of colors that include evergreen, quarry, grave wine, and shitake. The suede gets broken up by the inclusion of canvas tongues, leather jazz stripe branding, and the use of a midsole treatment to give them a more vintage look.

There's no word on how soon we can expect them in local Vans concept stores, but they're up for grabs on the Vans online store.

Check out more looks after the jump.

Vans Vault x Taka Hayashi Classic Slip-On

Vans collaborates once again with Taka Hayashi for a new round of Vault releases. This time, the designer/artist applies his signature Native American inspired aesthetic to the classic Vans Slip-On. Providing a nice contrast to the intricate woven uppers is a touch of deluxe leather on the heel and side piping. Expect the collection to drop at Vans Vault stockists this month.

Check out the other colorway after the jump.

Vans x Star Wars Footwear Collection

These shoes dropped a while back, but they're finally here, and it's better late than never. In case you haven't heard, Vans tied up with the Star Wars movie franchise for a series of shoes that mashes up iconic characters and motifs from the films with classic prints from the Vans archive. Drops from the collaboration that found their way here range from the Authentic, Era, Slip-On, and Sk8-Hi silhouettes. If you're looking to buy, then hurry you must.

Hit up your nearest Vans concept store to pick up a pair and maybe even some of the apparel and accessories included in the release.

Check out the rest of the collection after the jump.

Vans Vault x Peanuts Collection

Vans conjures up some childhood nostalgia thanks to a tie-up with The Peanuts Gang. Prints originally made for the 1983 opening of Camp Snoopy in Knott's Berry Farm find new life by dressing up the OG LX versions of the Authentic, Era, and Sk8-Hi silhouettes. Fans of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang can delight in the fact that this collection will run in both adult and toddler sizes.

There's no indication of the collection making its way into local stores just yet, but anyone interested in scooping up a pair or two can do so starting next month from retailers like UBIQ, Bodega, and Nice Kicks.

Hit the jump to check out more looks from the Vans Vault x Peanuts collection.

Vans x Hello Kitty Authentics

California skate footwear institution Vans links up once again with the iconic Sanrio character Hello Kitty. This time around, both brands bring forth a small offering of Authentics. Both done up in canvas, one design sports an old Hello Kitty print from the Sanrio archive, while the other mixes the character with a leopard print straight from the Vans archive. Philippine fans of all things kawaii will have to wait as no local release date has been set. But those interested in securing a pair as soon as possible can order a pair or two through UBIQ.

Check out more looks after the jump.

Stussy x Vans Spring 2014 Collection

Brands like Supreme may dominate the modern streetwear conversation, but those with true appreciation for the culture know that there wouldn't be a conversation at all if it wasn't for Stussy.

Once again, the legendary California apparel brand teams up with Vans on another round of sneakers. This time, the Style 36 LX, Era LX, and Sk8-Hi LX are adorned with original Stussy prints and graphics from the '80s and '90s, paying homage to the SoCal roots of both brands.

No word on local pricing as of yet, but Trilogy Boutique and Canteen uploaded a shot of Sk8-His on their Instagram page stating that fans can expect them to drop in their stores very soon.

Check out more pictures of this West Coast collaboration after the jump.

UPDATE (6/10/2014):

Limited quantities of both the Era LX and Sk8-Hi LX are available now at Trilogy Glorietta 3.

Prices are as follows:

Era LX - P3698

Sk8-Hi LX - P3998

Vans Slip-On "Bandana"

The classic paisley print has enjoyed quite a revival as of late. You could walk into a Forever 21 and find yourself various articles of clothing bearing the print in one way or another. And now, the vibrant pattern makes its way onto the timeless Vans Slip-On. 

Out Now: The Beatles x Vans "Yellow Submarine" Collection

Love for the fab four is all you need to justify purchasing any of the sneakers included in this collaboration between The Beatles and Vans.

Awesome Philippine Sneaker Groups to Join on Facebook.

A big part of my daily Facebook routine involves checking out what's new on a number of sneaker groups, both local and international. Though the main point of most groups is the whole buying and selling aspect of the game, I try to keep a look out for interesting discussions, insider info, and the occasional good deal.

Below are a handful of Philippine sneaker groups that I think are definitely worth joining in. Check them out for yourself, but always remember that the internet is public domain. Act like you would if you were encountering the people you interact with in a real world setting. Don't be the asshole that hides behind fake names just to troll people. Be nice, do your research, and if you're looking to buy stuff, be wary of scammers.

Awesome cover design by Ira Cordero

1. Sole Slam Manila 
Member Count - 21,529 as of 2/16/2014

If you're in the know when it comes to Philippine sneaker culture, Sole Slam Manila should be a familiar name. Antonio Aguirre Jr. founded what I think has become an institution in world sneaker culture. It's not just me who thinks so. Check out what The Shoe Game had to say. In fact, the group's just the tip of a pretty big-ass iceberg. Aside from a strong social media presence, Sole Slam Manila also has a legit brick-and-mortar store and a yearly event that's at par with many sneaker conventions around the world.

Expect lots of buying and selling, discussions, and pretty much anything about sneakers in general. I also appreciate the fact that the group's admins keep it as well maintained as a 21k strong group can possibly be.

Join HERE 

2. Kobe Section PH 
Member Count - 14,399 as of 2/16/2014

Kobe Bryant is without a doubt of the most recognized figures in basketball the world over. His following here in the Philippines is a pretty devoted lot, so it's no surprise that his sneakers are usually well received over on this side of the world. Save for the occasional errant posts (iPhones for sale in a sneaker group, really?), you'll find a good amount of release info, sneaker hookups, and a good amount of buying and selling of pretty much anything involving The Black Mamba.



Join HERE

3. New Balance PHL
Member Count - 3097 as of 2/16/2014

Retro runners are going to be big this year and New Balance is one of the brands that's been leading the charge. The group may not be huge in number yet, but you'll find a ton of good deals, release info and a whole lot of NBs that weren't released locally.

Join HERE

4. Strictly Off The Wall (Vans Talk Philippines)
Member Count - 3,785 as of 2/16/2014

Lots of deals, discussions, and release info on a load of Vans silhouettes. Arguably the best local Vans group online.

Join HERE

5. Sneaker Beaters Club
Member Count - 22,247 as of 2/16/2014

This group has a pretty interesting set of posting rules. Most of what you'll find here may be secondhand stuff, but there's always a good chance on coming up on a good deal here.

Join HERE 

6. Heat Hub PH
Member Count - 220 as of 2/16/2014

Okay, this one's a pretty shamless plug. I created this group for people to share the sneakers they wear. No selling here, just discussions and lots and lots of shots of really sick kicks. Feel free to join us HERE

There's a lot of other groups out there. Some really broad, and some that cater to niche audiences. If you know a group that should get some promotion, or if you've started a group as well, let me know in the comments section and I'll make sure to check it out!

Exercises in Deconstruction.

Back when I was in college, it was a requirement to take up 12 units of Philosophy. Now I don't remember much, but one of the things I do was deconstruction - finding contradictions in things by delving below what we take at face value. What does this all mean? I don't know. I was just lucky to have graduated, and I thought it'd be a pretty oddball segue into talking about these new Vans drops at Sole Academy.

All photos from the Sole Academy Facebook Page. 

You don't need to be a philosopher to appreciate just how badass these Vans Authentic Decon CA's are. When you keep things simple, it's pretty hard to mess up the design on an Authentic. That's when they become timeless and enables them to seamlessly work themselves into pretty much anybody's personal style. These decons do just that. No-frills design, just premium pig suede uppers in toned down colors mixed in with clean white midsoles, eyelets, and laces. Leather interior lining and the trademark Vans Waffle Soles done up in contrasting colors round out the details.

Bright colors found literally below subdued exteriors? That's a contradiction! So maybe I did know a little more about deconstruction than I thought I did.

Pick up a pair at Sole Academy Katipunan for P3698.

Pay Attention To The Color Wheel.

Photo from http://on.fb.me/kPeCIY

There had to be a point in your school life where you studied the color wheel. You know, that circle that shows you which colors worked well together. Now, I'm not saying you should follow the wheel every time you decide to put on some clothes, but sometimes, it's hard to argue with how some combos just work.

Case in point, these navy gumsoled Vans Authentics. This longtime longtime favorite Vans model of mine is just a testament to timeless style that gets taken up a notch all thanks to the presence of the brown gum sole. Trust me, on those days when you don't want to wear your retro runners or Air Jordans, these are guaranteed to keep you looking good even when you've beaten them into the ground.

Available now at Vans Concept Stores for P2398.

Out Now: Vans x Liberty "Green Mountain" Era

Vans dropped these Eras as part of their collaboration with London's Liberty Art Fabrics. I got to chance upon them during a lunch break and I immediately knew this was the standout in the selection available locally.

I could've taken a better picture, but you can already see the intricate detail of the shoe's upper. Blending mountain patterns to form a solid "camo" pattern, and given the ubiquity of camo in the worlds of sneakers, streetwear, and menswear right now, this pair is a welcome new spin on a trend that everybody's hopping on.

Though I wish they could have come out with an Authentic instead, the Era is one of Vans' timeless silhouettes for a reason. If you love Vans, or love sneakers in general, these are definitely worth the look.

Check this and other styles in the Vans x Liberty Collection available in Vans stores!