Vans x Rassvet (PACCBET)
A celebration of creativity and Russia’s new generation skate culture, the pioneering Vans x Rassvet (PACCBET) collection is one that taps into liberal expressionism at its core. Focusing on skateboarding’s evolutionary progression and honouring Vans’ seemingly ageless archive with two revisions of their iconic Style #66 profile from the ‘90s, Vans and Moscow-based Rassvet’s (PACCBET) capsule release addresses the notion of ungoverned, independent originality as we transition into the autumn months of 2021.
Following on from Comme des Garçons alumni Gosha Rubchinskiy’s eponymous fashion label that debuted in 2008, PACCBET is another subdivision formulated by the filmmaker, designer and photographer and well known pro-skater Tolia Titaev. Launched in 2016, PACCBET, pronounced ‘rassvyet’ in Russian, is a brand that is host to a refreshing yet seemingly familiar aesthetic that pairs the formalities of Cyrillic typography with an admiration for post-USSR creativity and youth indulged street culture. Originally crossing paths in 2009 when Atlantic Drift associate Titaev modeled for Rubchinskiy’s self-titled label, the skater and multidisciplinary artist continues to inspire, with their latest collaboration with Vans following on from partnerships with both Carhartt WIP and Spanish artist Ricardo Fumanal. Shared team riders with the Anaheim collective include Alix Malnati, Val Bauer, Ignat Mazurin and co founder Titaev, with eclectic short forms from PACCBET such as their ‘PACCBET INRUSSIA‘ and ‘Рассвет Москва’ edit from 2016 honouring some of the most influential skaters of our time.
Arriving as an addition to Vans’ Skate Classics collection and styled with nostalgic reference to the throwback Style #66 sneaker that once dominated the market, two collection exclusive Vans x Rassvet (PACCBET) Bold skate shoes are styled in mirrored colourways of black and brushed marshmallow white, with their noted checkerboard influenced aesthetic a tribute to both Vans’ iconic character and PACCBET’s fashion focused endeavours. Performative DURACAP, PopCush and Waffle tread features honour both parties’ loyalty to skate-centric design, with the black and white split-tone rubber foxings and ‘PACCBET’ debossed outsoles bring additional subversive character to each silhouette. A subtle ode to new era skate aesthetics, the same pattern that boosted skate culture during Style #48’s reign during the ‘70s, the black and white colourings of each design are paired with metallic gold embroidered intricacies for a touch of regal character, with PACCBET’s sunrise logo embroidered across each tongue in honour of the brand’s translated namesake and its metaphoric ‘re-birthed’ Russian narrative. Checkerboard trims accentuate both variants’ interior lining and custom printed insoles, with a sewn checkerboard flag label sealing the rear to complement the classic Vans sidewall stripes and the collection specific ‘Off The Wall Skateboarding’ heel scabs.
Joining the collection, a 100% premium cotton Off The Wall Long Sleeve T-Shirt features the same checkerboard aesthetic printed across the full length of each sleeve, with a collaborative ‘Vans x PACCBET’ characterised chest logo joined by commemorative double brand logo detailing beneath the neckline on the rear. In honour of the brand’s international reception and accompanying ‘from Russia to the World’ collection tagline, a hard wearing Vans x PACCBET Duffle Bag is designed to make light work of travelling necessities and over-night functions with its resilient canvas construction and its dual strap adjustable design. Black and white checkerboard trims complement the spacious interior, with embroidered double patch decals across the front, printed side pocket branding and a detachable over-shoulder strap styled with both street and skate functionality in mind.
The Vans x Rassvet (PACCBET) collection is available online at Flatspot on Thursday 23rd September at 00.00AM (BST).
Shop all Vans Skateboarding at Flatspot.
