Nicole McLaughlin Fuses Function and Design with Vault by Vans Collaboration
Vault by Vans is proud to partner with designer and multidisciplinary artist Nicole McLaughlin on a collection highlighting her love for vintage gardening and workwear totes. The collection brings sustainability and waste discussion to the forefront of this collaboration, an essential principle component for McLaughlin and Vans.
Through upcycling, Nicole unlocks the potential of single-use products into multifunctional ones. The concept of the Vault by Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX, offers a renewed purpose to the silhouette with utilitarian pockets for gardening materials and work tools across the toe vamp. Available in two colorways, the White/Green is inspired by the classic gardening tote, while the Brown/Grey colorway references the workwear bucket bag often carried to and from the job site.
Each have been built with organic cotton canvas uppers, 50% recycled polyester bindings, and Vans’ biobased foam VR3Cush™ footbed that is made using at least 25% biobased EVA foam partially derived from plants per ASTM D6866-16 reference standard for comfort. The new VR3Waffle™ outsole contains 60% responsibly sourced natural rubber obtained from sources that follow proven sustainable practices with the intention of reducing impacts on the planet while still maintaining the grip and durability that Vans has been known for since 1966. Both silhouettes are finished with custom Nicole McLaughlin labels and a custom ankle collar strap for a functional way to carry and store your shoes. Watch the gardening tote get reimagined into the Vault by Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Slip-On VP VR3 LX now on @Vansvault.
“The Vault by Vans NM Gardening Tote is a vision I’ve had for a while”, said Nicole McLaughlin. “I’ve always loved the Slip-Ons and the traditional canvas upper. The idea of canvas made me think about vintage gardening bags and it inspired me to make my own version, a functional gardening tote Slip-On.”
“I created the original sample by using an old gardening bag, and the idea of sourcing sustainable fabrics and materials followed through the rest of the design process. I’m so excited with how the shoes turned out and it was so fun collaborating with the Vans team, they made my vision come to life!”
The spirit of Nicole McLaughlin’s design ingenuity was captured by Peter Sutherland in Boulder, Colorado and creative directed by Kyle Kivijärvi, the founder and curator of @Gramparents.
The Vault by Vans x Nicole McLaughlin collection will be available globally on March 31, 2023, on Vans.com and at select Vault by Vans retail locations. For more information, please visit Vans.eu/vault.
