Vans Vault and Disney have joined forces in the past, but their latest collaborative project celebrates Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday with four renditions of the OG Sk8-Hi LX with t-shirts to match. In conjunction with acclaimed artists – John Van Hamersveld, Mister Cartoon, George McFetridge, and long-time Vans partner, Taka Hayashi, each offering is presented with the inspiration from each artist while reinterpreting different eras of Mickey’s long-standing heritage.
Disney x Vans Vault OG Sk8-Hi LX
John Van Hamersveld
Illustrator and graphic designer, John Van Hamersveld’s artistic mediums epitomize Southern California culture, melding vivid color palettes and psychedelic designs into his affinity for music and surfing – both of which are synonymous with Vans’ roots. Van Hamersveld uses the upper’s creamy suede application as a blank canvas for his bright and energetic color choice, featuring a deconstructed portrayal of Mickey with different graphics on each panel.
Mister Cartoon
Mark Machado is a famed tattoo artist that also goes by the name, Mister Cartoon. The LA artist applies his unique tattooing method that utilizes diluted black ink to generate shadows and depth onto the design of the side panels. His interpretation is a black and white portrayal of Mickey driving the ’57 convertible while creating a three-dimensional effect, thanks to his use of contrast. “Ooh-hoo. THE RED BOTTOM…”
George McFetridge
George McFetridge is renowned for his minimalist and surreal designs, which apply to both his collections of illustrations and animations. The artist ventures beyond creative barriers, using the white canvas underlays to highlight Mickey’s black, white, and red color scheme with an all-over print of the character and his shadow.
Taka Hayashi
Taka Hayashi has become one and the same since the beginning of the Vans Vault lineage, establishing himself as one of the division’s earliest collaborators. Focused on craftsmanship with artisanal workmanship, Hayashi’s rendering of the silhouette explores the surreal realm with Mickey going on a journey through the California Adventure theme park. Assembled with an assortment of denim textiles of varying shades, the quarter-panels feature embroidered depictions of Mickey with the character’s hand converted into a cactus. Additionally, each shoe foregoes the usual jazz stripe with only the outline that mirrors the stitching on a pair of jeans.
The Disney x Vans Vault OG Sk8-Hi LX collaboration is expected to hit Vans Vault accounts, like Hot Rod LA this Saturday, 8/25.
