Collaborations between sport apparel brands and fashion houses are nothing new, but each time products of this kind arrive, they generate a lot of buzz and attract thousands of consumers from both ‘camps’. The new product in this niche was created by Kenzo and Vans—the shoe brand and fashion house teamed up to launch a line of chick and vibrant sneakers, which will be unveiled step by step in late spring and in summer.

Photo: Kenzo and Vans’ collection, www.artschoolvets.com

Kenzo developed vibrant and eye-catching prints for the new collection, which totally fits the summer time and mirrors the Vans brand philosophy. The collection will be unveiled in three phases, in May, June and July, to keep consumes’ interest at a high level. The first assortment is based on Vans’ original skate shoe, the Era, and features seven original colorways, both for men and women, in the bright blue, white, green and red palette, which has been used in the Kenzo Spring 2012 apparel collection. The first design, featured on the debut set of shoes, is a vibrant net print, which includes several colours. The other designs of the limited-edition collection will be presented later.

“Since our childhood in suburban L.A., we’ve been fans of Vans and own too many pairs to count! Vans is one of the iconic American brands and we liked the idea of infusing this bit of American style into the house of Kenzo,” shared Kenzo Creative Directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim on the new collaboration.

According to Highsnobiety.com, the styles will appear in retail starting at 90 Euro, and will be available at Kenzo stores, Kenzo.com and at select retail partners including Opening Ceremony, Colette, Harvey Nichols, Bosco Milan, Lane Crawford and IT starting in mid-May.