Vans and GUCCIMAZE Unveil Second Collaboration
The new Premium Slip-On features intricate hand-drawn embroidery and a clear outsole design.
1New Artistic Footwear Release
Vans has officially announced its second collaboration with Japanese graphic designer GUCCIMAZE. This release centers on the Premium Slip-On model, following their initial partnership in June 2026. The design utilizes hand-drawn sketches specifically created for this project, marking a deliberate shift toward manual artistry in an increasingly automated design landscape.
2Intricate Embroidery Design Details
The sneakers feature the letters GMV embroidered across the entire upper surface. GUCCIMAZE focused on replicating the rough fluctuations and distortions of his original hand-drawn lines through precise embroidery techniques. The design also incorporates a clear outsole and a double-name logo printed on the premium insole for exclusive branding.
3Philosophy Against AI Production
GUCCIMAZE emphasized that he intentionally chose hand-drawn sketches despite the rise of AI-generated visuals. He challenged himself to translate the inherent imperfections of manual drawing into the structured medium of embroidery. This approach highlights a commitment to human-centric design processes within the modern fashion industry and footwear manufacturing sector.
4Pricing and Availability Schedule
The Vans x GUCCIMAZE Premium Slip-On is priced at 14,300 yen, including tax. A pre-release occurs at Vans Store Shinsaibashi PARCO on Friday, November 13. The general release follows on Friday, November 20, across nationwide Vans stores, select premium retailers, and the official Vans online store in the White/Black colorway.
5Interactive T-Shirt Embroidery Workshops
To celebrate the launch, Vans is hosting T-shirt embroidery workshops led by Tokyo-based studio STUDIO33. Participants can have limited-edition GUCCIMAZE designs embroidered onto shirts on-site. These sessions are scheduled for November 13 and 14 at Shinsaibashi PARCO, and November 20 at the Shibuya location, requiring the purchase of a workshop shirt.
6Workshop Logistics and Participation
Each workshop T-shirt costs 8,800 yen, which covers the embroidery service fee. The events run from 12:00 to 20:00, with the last entry permitted at 19:00. Quantities for these custom items are strictly limited at all participating venues, and original stickers will be distributed to customers who purchase eligible collaboration products.
7Strategic Brand Positioning
This collaboration reinforces the Vans Artist Collection strategy, which prioritizes unique visual identities over mass-market trends. By partnering with a specific graphic designer, the brand creates a high-value narrative that appeals to collectors. The use of premium materials and limited workshop experiences elevates the product beyond standard retail footwear offerings.
8Market Impact and Legacy
The project serves as a case study in blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary street fashion. By focusing on the tactile nature of embroidery, Vans differentiates this release from digital-first design trends. Collectors and fans of GUCCIMAZE will likely view this as a significant follow-up to the successful 2026 debut collection.
Original article: Hypebeast — Vans and GUCCIMAZE Unveil Second Collaboration