Vault by Vans has teamed up with New Jersey-born and raised designer Imran Potato for a six-piece collection. Imran has built his creative identity by turning fashion on its head with humor in everything he does.
Imran wants to show others that nothing is impossible and has found himself at the intersection of disruption and design.
For his first Vault by Vans collection, Imran is helping to reimagine the KNU SKOOL VR3 LX, a model that pays homage to the-inspired silhouette of the early ’90s, which the brand first introduced in 1998 and later re-released exclusively through Vans Japan.
Available in three colorways, including classic black and two all-over cheetah prints in Asphalt/Black and Gold Glow/Bombay Brown. To modernize the KNU SKOOL, the shoe’s suede panels are sourced from a top-tier LWG-certified tannery for environmental sustainability.
The silhouette is also part of Vans VR3, which represents the brand’s journey toward using 100% regenerative, responsibly sourced, renewable, and recycled materials for the brand’s four key materials by 2030.
The silhouette also features an EcoCush™ footbed made of EVA foam, which is partially derived from sugarcane, as well as an EcoWaffle rubber outsole sourced from suppliers that have been verified to use sustainable practices to reduce the impact on the planet.
"The KNU SKOOL is the best sneaker silhouette of all time. It’s the shoe I always wanted but couldn’t get because of its mystique—
the ultimate unattainable eBay shoe,” said Imran. “The Vault team literally opened the vault for me, and I can’t thank them enough. This collaboration is a dream come true and my most important work to date.”
A trio of SK8-HI VR3 LXs rounds out the Vault by Vans x Imran Potato collection.
The designs retain the Hi-Top’s iconic elements but feature primitively drawn human hands on the side panels and tongues.
The concept is an inspired evolution of the viral and satirically humorous Potato Caveman Slippers.
The Vault by Vans x Imran Potato collection will be available starting May 21, 2022, at Allike, Asphaltgold, and SUPPA retailers.
