Renowned artist Taka Hayashi offers his distinctive handstyle to Vans for their 27th annual Triple Crown of Surfing event that takes place starting this November at Hawaii’s North Shore. Inspired by the Hawaiian venue, the shoes sport a black on black reef-like print across a canvas upper with an orange interpration on the inside. The shoe also features metal eyelets, round laces, and a blue sole (for the water!). Alongside original Taka Vans logos adorning the tongue and heel, the insoles are printed with the full Triple Crown of Surfing Hawaii script. Now available at Flauge.

A detailed look at the Taka Hayashi x Vans “Triple Crown of Surfing” Authentic after the click.

Taka Hayashi designed three completely new styles for Vans including the No Quarter LX, the Velocita and the Akat (shown previously.) Each shoe features materials and details inspired by military surplus and traditionally crafted Native American goods. Available now at Proper.

Have a closer look at the Taka Hayashi x Vans Vault Collection after the jump.

Vans Fall 2009 Vault collection has started to roll into retailers. Amongst many great styles is the custom-designed “Akat” by Taka Hayashi. After wowing us with his re-interpretation of several classic Vans models, Taka crafted three new silhouettes from the ground up. With an obvious Visvim influence (or perhaps the same influences as Visvim) the Akat draws inspiration from Native American culture, 1960s Italian footwear and the military. Available in bitter chocolate, with tonal stitching (pictured) or brown, with contrast white stitching and laces. We can attest this look isn’t for everybody, but if you’re not down, the epic Vans Vault Peacoat Chukkas and Del Barco Mids are also in stock now at Bows & Arrows.

A closer look at the Taka Hayashi x Vans Vault “Akat” after the jump.

Fresh from Vans Vault’s Fall 2008 collection comes with collaboration with Taka Hayashi. The shoes take inspiration from Native American culture, as well as nods to vintage 1960s Italian footwear and military looks. The full collection includes three new silhouettes, the one shown here is named the LX Akat. Almost as if a little Visvim DNA has leaked into the California shoe company. (Via Colmilludo).

Details of the LX Akat from Vans Vault after the jump.

Active continues their “Drop Sneakers Not Bombs” initiative and has finally released the Active x Taka Hayashi x Vans Pack. Consisting of the Half Cab Pro and the J-Lay Mid, the artist made a lot of changes to the classics, adding premium materials, embroideries, as well as other details. The outcome is a strong pack, that plays with everything but the colors, something we appreciate a lot.

The Active x Taka Hayashi x Vans Pack is now on sale at Active stores and online.

Detailed images follow after the jump.

Japanese artist Taka Hayashi did not only work on his own collaborative pack with Vans, but this time got together with Vans and Active for their “Drop Sneakers Not Bombs” initiative. Releasing in November is a pack of two sneakers designed by the artist. Once again lots of customization has been added to the sneaker, without playing too much with color, rather with patterns and materials.

Via Vapors Issue 50.

The much anticipated Vans x Taka Hayashi Pack 2, the second collaboration with artist and skater Taka Hayashi, has finally been released.

Consisting of a Vans No Skool Mid Vulc, Vans Ownes Hi Vulc and Vans Rowley Shambles Hi, the pack presents a very special line-up. The amount of details on each sneaker is mind-blowing. Premium materials, including leathers, pony hair and more have been used. Furthermore there is a lot of embroidery, printed graphics and tags to be found. The good thing is, even though the sneakers are loaded with details, the choice of color was kept simple, giving the pack an overall round look.

The Vans x Taka Hayashi 2 Pack is now available at Caliroots.

More detailed images of the pack follow after the jump.

For the second time Taka Hayashi joins forces with Vans, this time to work on a pack as part of the Vans Fall ‘08 collection.
For Fall 2008 Taka has redefined what is possible in a collaborative product project. Completely redesigning the footwear both in terms of upper detailing and outsole construction, Taka has delivered a product capsule where the details of the shoes become the design aesthetic and are still wearable. Using a variety of design techniques, materials, and, of course, his own art, Taka designed a Rowley Shambles Hi Top with buckled strap, a No Skool 2 Mid vulc with zipper entry, and an Owens Hi vulc with a lace cover panel. All the bottoms feature a retro striped tread design from the early Vans archive. Taka didn’t stop with footwear, and has added a cut-and-sew raglan tee, as well as a short sleeve pocket tee bearing his marks. The capsule is completed with an extremely detailed pocket watch inspired by military precision and functionality with his signature iconography.
More detailed images once we get closer to the release.

Taka Hayashi grew up skateboarding, and began to draw at a very early age. His talent is undeniable, and his artistic style reflects his unique journey. Born in Japan, and then transplanted to Santa Monica, CA in 1983, he grew up during one of the definitive periods of modern street skateboarding. Taka hung out at a local skate shop on 5th and Broadway, taking inspiration from the Venice pros that were regulars in the shop. The 80s skate culture and vibrant art scene had its impact. For this Vans Holiday Core collection Taka designed an incredibly detailed signature series–each design is inspired by the rider’s unique style. Using a variety of different techniques and materials, his art is strikingly reproduced on the new Rowley “Shambles”, the AV Sk8 Low, the DD-66, and the TNT III Slip-On. This is an exclusive product for style-conscious skateboarders.
Expect the Vans x Taka Hayashi Pack to be available this Holiday 2007 season!