When it comes to legendary collabs, Vans always delivers. The ultimate skate footwear brand came in hot once again with the Vans x Daniel Johnston collection, a footwear and apparel capsule featuring original illustrations from legendary artist, musician an mental wellness advocate Daniel Johnston.
CHECK OUT THE VANS X DANIEL JOHNSTON COLLECTION →
More than just a collab between a brand and an artist, this capsule also aims to raise awareness and resources for mental health through the nonprofit Hi, How Are You Project. Working directly with Johnston’s friends and family, and the nonprofit organization founded in his honor, Vans was inspired to create a head-to-toe collection celebrating the artist and musician’s work as a mental health advocate.
Just like the artist behind the collection, Vans believes that creative expression is great for mental wellbeing. Skateboarding, music, visual arts and anything else in between; creative expression is key. The Vans Skateboarding x Daniel Johnston collection reinforces this sentiment, featuring some of the original and well-recognized hand drawn illustrations that Johnston created for his early cassette tapes. Back then, Johnston would give these cassette tapes to his friends and even random strangers in hopes of making them happy.
WHO IS DANIEL JOHNSTON
Legend is not a term to be used lightly, but Daniel Johnston was one for sure. A key figure in the alternative lo-fi and pop rock music scenes, influencing bands such as Dead Milkman, Yo La Tengo, and the Velvet Underground and the subject of the 2005 documentary "The Devil and Daniel Johnston," he was an ambassador for mental wellness and the inspiration for the Hi, How Are You Project.
More than being a legend in the music industry and an advocate for mental wellness, Johnston was also a great artist and was recognized for his grimy, childish and cartoony looking drawings. Johnston’s paintings and drawings have been exhibited in Los Angeles, Zurich, and Berlin, as well as at the 2006 Whitney Biennial in New York. His art has also been features in publications all over the world. If you have never heard of Johnston’s art, you’ll probably recognize some of his popular drawings like the iconic frog, that can be found on selected pieces of the Vans x Daniel Johnston collection such as on the Skate Authentics sole, tote bag, hat, long sleeves shirt and more.
THE SHOES
The Vans x Daniel Johnston footwear collection features 3 of Vans most iconic silhouettes such as the SK8-HI, the Skate Authentic, and the Slip-On. Can’t go wrong with this lineup!
The Skate SK8-Hi® in raven features Johnston’s classic hand-drawn cassette covers collaged as a custom Vans' Checkerboard pattern on the quarter. The Skate Authentic in antique white and Skate Slip-on in raven are each accompanied by the musician’s signature illustrations in black and white, with Johnston's most notable character, Jeremiah the Frog, and his most recognized album, “Hi, How Are You” printed across the sidewall and upper. All silhouettes in the collection include DURACAP™ reinforced materials for added durability and PopCush™ energy-return footbeds.
Just like any of Vans Skate shoes, the Daniel Johnston Sk8-Hi, Slip-On and Authentic feature some of the most advanced technology to satisfy skateboarders needs. From the durability to the grip all the way to the impact protection. These aren’t only extremely good looking, but they are 100% made to withstand skateboarding’s harsh conditions.
INCREASED DURABILITY – DURACAP™ reinforced materials, deeper knurl texture on the toe bumpers, and higher sidewall heights provide a more heritage look with increased durability and protection.
FULLY REDESIGNED UPPERS – Reconstructed with a molded heel counter and internal tongue straps for a locked-in fit and more board control.
LEGENDARY GRIP – Proprietary SickStickTM gum rubber compound is our stickiest rubber yet.
POPCUSH CUSHIONING – Our best cushioning and impact protection.
POPCUSH™ energy return footbeds protect your feet while helping to lessen leg fatigue for longer skate sessions.
Johnston’s illustrations carry over to the Vans x Daniel Johnston Authentic Chino Loose Pant in antique white featuring an allover black graphic print of Johnston’s artwork. A woven Vans x Daniel Johnston camp shirt with a monochromatic Checkerboard pattern of his artwork calls out some of his most iconic albums like “Respect” and “Don’t Be Scared.” The collection is rounded out with the Respect tee and pullover hoodie in black, the Vans x Daniel Johnston long sleeve Off The Wall tee and crew socks in pale banana, and an unstructured tote bag prominently featuring Jeremiah the Frog.
CHECK OUT OUR VANS SELECTION AT THE LINK BELOW AND MAKE SURE TO STIMULATE YOUR OWN MENTAL WELLNESS BY GOING OUT SKATING!