NIGEL CABOURN X VAULT BY VANS

October 09, 2021

NIGEL CABOURN X VAULT BY VANS

Introducing the Vans x Nigel Cabourn AW21 collaboration, a celebration of Nigel’s own love for surf and beach culture.

Inspired by recent trips to California and Japan, this season’s collaboration combines surf style with classic Cabourn military influences. This theme is perfectly encapsulated through the story of the China Beach Surf Club, an unofficial U.S military association founded during the Vietnam War. Located on the beaches of Da Nang, CBSC provided returning G.I’s an outlet to surf during periods of R&R (rest and recovery). The legacy of the China Beach Surf Club still remains strong to this day, with many former members returning every year to surf the beach once again.

The collections strong colour and graphical influences came via a chance meeting in Japan. Whilst visiting Isshiki Beach, Nigel was introduced to Taiji Matsuda, a local artist and surfer known for his quirky oil and ink surfer beach paintings. Matsuda’s fun loving art provided the perfect inspiration for this special collaboration, with his unique prints adorning key styles such as the Surfer Fleece and Crew Sweater.

Coming together to form a relaxed, fun, après surf inspired collection, the Nigel Cabourn X Vans Limited Edition collaboration launches for AW21.

Vault by Vans x Nigel Cabourn - Model shoot featuring 5 models wearing collab garments and Cabourn pieces

“I am very pleased to introduce my first collaboration with Vault by Vans,” Nigel Cabourn shared. “This exciting unisex collection is filled with fun designs inspired by my recent trips to California and Japan. Combining surf style with classic Cabourn military, a strong colour story and graphical influences, I really think we have come together to achieve a great, relaxed, après surf-inspired collection.”

Vault by Vans x Nigel Cabourn - Model shot wearing OG Authentic LX in Army Green Camo and OG Classic Slip-On LX in USMC Army Mix

A true classic, the OG Authentic LX leads the collection in three Nigel Cabourn colorways. Army camouflage puts a contemporary spin on traditional military garb, with splashes of orange amid the usual olive, khaki and army green. A painterly quality to the print, deco stitching on the vamp, and fraying at the tongue bring a unique DIY vibe to the shoe. The natural/navy colorway features a rugged natural canvas upper, with faded stamp printing on the vamp, reminiscent of canvas military duffle bags. A bold navy sole and red foxing stripe elevate the look, for a truly striking shoe that still manages to be versatile. Color blocking in various shades of blue characterizes the navy mix colorway, with its midnight blue vamp, true navy lateral, cerulean tongue and cool gray medial. A frayed orange heel stripe and bright red foxing stripe add just a touch of contrast, while deco stitching and strategic fraying make the look all Nigel.

Nigel also puts his spin on four other Vans’ shoe silhouettes, the OG Classic Slip-On LX, in custom jacquard, the OG Style 24 LX with its striking navy and red-striped sole, the OG Style 24 in luxe herringbone tweed, and a top-to-bottom army green take on the OG Slip-On LX.

Vault by Vans x Nigel Cabourn - Featuring Vans Beanie and OG Style 24 LX in Black Navy

Vault by Vans x Nigel Cabourn Models wearing Cotton Hoodie in Red Clay and https://www.cabourn.com/products/vans-vault-x-nigel-cabourn-chore-coat-cotton-nigel-jacquard