Awake NY Reworks the Classic Sk8-Hi in First Vans Collaboration

Created in partnership with Greenhouse, the three-colorway collaboration puts a twist on Vans’ classic checkerboard pattern.

Published: October 12, 2021 Press Release

The Vans x Awake NY Sk8-Hi

Courtesy of Vans

Vans and Angelo Baque’s Awake NY have announced a bi-coastal collaboration consisting of three takes on the Classic Sk8-Hi. Combining Vans’ classic California cool with Awake NY’s New York roots, the Vans x Awake NY collaboration centers on a unique take on Vans’ classic checkerboard pattern.

Arriving in pink/black, green/blue, and blue/red, each style in the Vans x Awake NY Sk8-Hi collection features Batik swatches, which use a wax-resistant dye and a digitally printed checkerboard pattern, providing a worn-in look right out of the box. Edge-painted side stripes add a nuanced detail and are complemented by Awake NY’s logo subtly debossed on the shoe’s lateral forefoot. Classic Vans details like a white jazz stripe on the quarters, suede toe boxes, and white vulcanized midsoles finalize each look.

The Vans x Awake NY Sk8-Hi collection is also spotlighted in a special lookbook starring recording artist, designer, and Griselda Records founder Westside Gunn. The lookbook was shot by storied photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis.

“It’s exciting that Awake NY can serve as a conduit between the East and West Coasts. A partner like Vans truly complements us, and vice versa,” Awake NY founder Angelo Baque said. “As with all our collaborations, the community is the foundation. We’re looking forward to working with Fresh Youth Initiatives, and Children of Promise, NY. With the power of Vans, Greenhouse, and Foot Locker behind us, we’re truly able to make a difference.”

The Vans x Awake NY Sk8-Hi collection will be available for purchase beginning October 15 via Awake NY and exclusively onGreenhouse October 20 and will be available for purchase exclusively at Foot Locker on October 22. Each pair is priced at USD 90.00.

About Vans

Vans^®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans^® authentic collections are sold in 97 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans^® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans^® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as Vans Checkerboard Day, Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing^®, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.