Oftentimes, collaborations between footwear brands and their partners come with very little backstory or fanfare. Two big names come together, slap their logos next to one another, and call it a day. For the Boston-based boutique Concepts, this is very rarely the case. Bringing to life some of the rarest lobsters with their Nike SB collaboration or taking us on a trippy flashback with their Air Max 1 Pack, the long-time retailer is taking a step away from The Swoosh for the time being to work with skateboarding brand Vans. Coming under the banner “Question The Answers,” the Concepts x Vans collection will include two SK8-Hi’s, an Authentic, and an Old Skool.
The umbrella title for the collection, “Question The Answers,” is a callback to the 1994 album by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, a ska punk band from the Boston area. With their influences coming from the 70s and 80s punk, the collaborative capsule follows suit while adding luxe details. Concepts Creative Director, Deon Point, stated “Working with Vans has given us space to experiment with the rich history of punk fashion. This latest collection, which includes our most progressive in-house clothing assortment, allows us to honor local music history and relay our deep knowledge of luxury design details.”
All the silhouettes in the collection come dressed in mohair with the SK8-Hi and Old Skool featuring suede accents on the toebox, eyestays, and heel. Classic colors and design details from OG Vans releases are still present as each features a checkerboard pattern. While the two SK8-Hi colorways delve into a more colorful realm, coming in red and mint, the Authentic comes in a clean black/white makeup while the Old Skool definitely brings the 70s vibes thanks to its coffee and tobacco shades of brown. Co-branded neon green insoles and packaging come inspired by the Sex Pistols while the design of each colorway is complete with a semi-translucent rubber outsole featuring checkerboard patterns.
The Concepts x Vans Question The Answers Collection, including sneakers and apparel, will release exclusively through all Concepts brick-and-mortar locations as well as online on October 7th, 2022. As of this writing, the retail pricing and sizing information is TBA. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest happenings in sneakers, streetwear, and more.
Images via Concepts
Concepts x Vans UA OG SK8-HI LX Mohair “Flame Scarlet”
Concepts x Vans UA OG SK8-HI LX Mohair “Mint”
Concepts x Vans UA OG Authentic LX Mohair “Black/White”
Concepts x Vans UA OG Old Skool LX Mohair “Coffee”
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
