The Engineered Garments x Vans Slip-On 98 revisits a quirky archival Vans ad that once showed two mismatched shoes on the same pair of feet. That concept now comes to life in two colorways—Red/Navy and Black/Blue—each using mismatched panels across the left and right shoe. As part of the OTW program, this collaboration plays with offbeat symmetry and pays tribute to skate culture’s creative edge.
The shoe features traditional canvas uppers, vulcanized rubber soles, and classic Vans tags, while applying Engineered Garments’ signature utilitarian restraint. “We wanted to look back and focus on the past, not only within our partnership but to what we knew of Vans,” said the team in the official statement. Available at Nepenthes and select partners, the shoes reflect a playful nod to history without losing wearability. It’s a study in balance between familiarity and subversion.
Image Credit: OTW by Vans
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Asymmetrical Fashion
- Designers are incorporating mismatched elements to create visually dynamic and unconventional apparel that challenges traditional aesthetics.
- Heritage-inspired Collaborations
- Brands are revisiting past designs and partnerships to create new collections that resonate with both nostalgic and modern consumers.
- Utilitarian Design
- Functional and restrained design elements are being integrated into fashion items to balance practicality with style in contemporary markets.
Sectors Adopting This
- Footwear Industry
- The collaboration between heritage fashion brands and contemporary designers revitalizes classic shoe designs for modern consumers.
- Streetwear
- Streetwear continues to evolve as brands experiment with bold and unconventional design choices that emphasize individuality and creativity.
- Fashion Retail
- Retailers are embracing unique collaborations that combine nostalgic elements with current fashion trends to attract a diverse customer base.
