Vans are releasing a new limited edition sneaker range in tribute to David Bowie, with each design based on a theme from a classic Bowie album.
The ‘Slip-On 47 VDX’ will pay tribute to Bowie’s 1971 album, ‘Hunky Dory’ whereas ‘Sk8-Hi’ has a design paying homage to Bowie’s ‘Ziggy Stardust’ era thanks to a lightening stripe on the side panel of the sneakers.
‘The Old Skool’ shoe recalls Bowie’s 1973 ‘Aladdin Sane’ and ‘Era’ Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’, while an all-black Classic Slip-On shoe features the black star from Bowie’s final album, 2016’s ‘Blackstar’. The designs are available to buy in store and online for a limited time from April 5.
You can see some images of the shoes below, together with a teaser video released in March:
time to tune in: the Vans x David Bowie collection is coming soon! ⚡⚡⚡ pic.twitter.com/pK9fHedpgX
— Journeys (@journeys) March 20, 2019
Vans x David Bowie
Leaked earlier last year, the David Bowie collab is set to release in 4 different models.
Releasing April 5th via Vans stores. pic.twitter.com/dXDo3bidPn
— Streetwear Night Live (@StreetNightLive) March 21, 2019
So I work at vans and this is the new like of vans Bowie! You are welcome! pic.twitter.com/ErPCI5U5V0
— Memories are like daggers to my brain! (@VocalBeligerent) March 21, 2019
Ok, these are cool #Vans #Bowie https://t.co/PQuf1fSces pic.twitter.com/4pIgdxfsC5
— ★ Unklerupert (@unklerupert) March 20, 2019
The news comes in what is proving a popular year for high profile collaborations for Vans. Earlier this year, veteran rockers Led Zeppelin announced a new collaboration with Vans as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.
The joint project, announced by the band on Twitter, revealed two versions of the newly licensed Led Zeppelin shoes, each featuring iconic images from their classic albums together with a t-shirt.
The tape recording was made in 1971 by Bowie and his Spiders from Mars guitarist Mick Ronson. The guitarist later handed it to Kevin Hutchinson, a close friend and aspiring musician who wanted to learn the now iconic track.
The demo, which also contains early versions of ‘Moonage Daydream’ and ‘Hang Onto Yourself’ was later packed away in Mr Hutchinson’s loft after he listened to it.
Despite initial estimates that the tape would sell for £10,000, it went under the hammer for £51,000 at Merseyside’s Omega Auctions on March 12.