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Vans x Civilist

A three way collaboration between skate powerhouse Vans, Alex Flach and Andreas Hesse's Civilist and German artist Carsten Fock, the latest Vans x Civilist Skate Sk8-Low release is one that commemorates Berlin's counterculture art scene alongside an untainted ode toward premium skate function. Two creative colourways mark the debut, with both a black and navy variant of the Skate Collection remastered Sk8-Low sneaker styled in honour of Civilist's artistic undertone and Vans' undoubted commitment to performative progression.

Vans x Civilist | Flatspot

With a collaborative relationship that now enters its seventh year since they first joined forces in 2014, this latest Vans x Civilist release keeps contemporary trends and evolutionary necessity well and truly in mind. Linking in August of 2014 to announce the Civilist x Vans Syndicate Pro 'S' Pack that paid tribute to the 'eternal cycle of Berlin nightlife', the release welcomed Pro 'S' editions of the Era, Classic Slip-On and Sk8-Mid into the mix. Fast forward to 2017 and their collaborative 'Coffee and Cigarettes' pack brought with it a duo of Authentic Pros and an archival remastering of the Style 47 DX, all inspired by guilty pleasures and habitual routines. Outside of their association with Vans, Berlin-Mitte based Civilist have also spearheaded releases alongside the likes of Converse CONS and Nike SB, with their thermographic Nike SB x Civilist Dunk Low from 2020 a tribute to their unconventional characteristic and altogether inventive persona.

Vans x Civilist | Flatspot

Staatliche Hochsschule für Bildende Künste graduate and renowned for his abstract artistry and statement typeface works, German artist Carsten Fock is continually inspired by contemporary interactions and typographic detail, whilst his immersive artistry appears unrestricted as it effectively captures the very essence of Berlin's subcultural underpinning. Splitting his time between Berlin and Munich, Fock's Post War design style seeks to shed light on Germany's colourful past, with his choice use of colour-intensive patterns and type face etchings a testament not only to the city's rebellious propensity but to fellow collection collaborator Civilist's experimental spirit and noted avant-gardist approach toward Euro-centric aesthetic.

Vans x Civilist | Flatspot

The latest additions to Vans' rapidly expanding Skate Classics collection, and following on from both Dime and Frog Skateboards' recent releases, the Civilist Vans Skate Sk8-Low is a low collared silhouette styled with a layer of creativity ingrained into its conscious construction. Both featuring premium brushed back suede uppers in block tone shades of black or navy, this creative revision of the iconic Sk8-Hi features a lowered cushioned collar and the same forefoot design, whilst its Skate Classics update welcomes an improved undercut, extended foxings and upgrades to both the DURACAP reinforcements and PopCush footbed. A grippy Waffle outsole makes light work of challenging terrains, whilst each profile features an auxetic midsole and arched toe box perforations for increased circulatory comfort and resilience. Across the black variant, white stitch ‘Say Goodbye To The City’ drip-down embroidery decorates both the interior and exterior side walls in place of the usual side stripe decal, whilst the navy pair features tonal embroideries for a more streamlined appeal. Custom ‘Civilist’ laces complement the recessed 6 eyelet lacing system, with the collaborative ‘Vans x Civilist’ tongue tab mirrored by custom ‘Back To The Roots’ slogan detailed insoles across the interior. All new checkerboard flag labels honour the design’s Skate Classics assignment, whilst each custom box features another favoured slogan of Fock’s; ‘Ich War Einmal In Berlin’ (I once visited Berlin) printed across its exterior as a tribute to the pack’s souvenir subtlety.

Vans x Civilist | Flatspot

The Vans x Civilist collection will be available online at Flatspot on Friday 30th July 2021 at 00:00am (BST).


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