A Luxe Twist on the Vans Authentic!
Mattias Gollin has teamed up with Vans to give the Authentic a striking new look, turning the classic skate shoe into a fully hand embellished piece. The Italian designer has built his reputation on covering everyday footwear, from Timberland boots to Moon Boots, with pearls, crystals and beads, and this collaboration is his newest addition to his signature approach that requires detail and patience.
The design begins with Vans’ Checkerboard pattern, but instead of printing it, Gollin rebuilds it entirely with beads. The white squares are covered in pearl and gold gems in different sizes, while the darker squares are recreated with black beads that add depth and texture. The result is an elevated, more luxurious version of the classic sneaker that takes roughly eight hours to complete per pair. Close to two thousand beads are applied by hand, and Gollin’s name appears in serif lettering on the tongue and the insoles, keeping the branding subtle.
The Mattias Gollin x Vans Authentic is available only through appointments on the designer’s website. As of now, appointments appear to be fully booked, which mirrors the response to Gollin’s past releases that have consistently sold out.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mattias Gollin.
