Rooted in Southern California skate culture, have long stood at the intersection of creativity and self-expression. From checkerboard Slip-Ons to cult-loved customs, the brand's silhouettes have become canvas and icon all at once: built for boardfeel, adopted by everyone from outsiders to revered creators.

Now, as part of its ongoing 'Artist Series', the label teams up with Japanese multidisciplinary creative Yusuke Hanai for an expansive collection, inspired by the illustrator's deep ties to 1950s – 70s surf and counterculture.

Known for blending optimism with hand-drawn charm, Hanai creates bold, playful graphics which mix detailed line-work with the artist's warm and inviting style (despite those sulky little faces). Vans and Hanai first joined forces in 2016 and reunited again in 2019.

Crafted with eco-conscious materials like renewable canvas uppers and bio-based foam insoles, this collaboration puts the Cali label's Old Skool silhouette at centrestage. A grey 'Stormy Weather' palette runs across the model, while Hanai’s original illustrations, hand-drawn detailing and the motivational phrase 'One Foot In Front Of The Other' appears scrawled on the midsole.

Elsewhere, organic cotton t-shirts made from recycled polyester carry the same playful energy – stamped with Hanai’s signature artwork. The tongue-in-cheek offering also includes shorts, caps and reversible tote bags, all designed with sustainability in mind.

A special launch event is set for May 29 at the Vans Store Harajuku, with live music from Texas 3000, a set by DJ Katoman and signed postcards for the first 50 customers. Pre-sales kick off on the day, ahead of a wider release through Vans stores and select retailers.