Ok, so maybe I have a bad taste in my mouth from seeing Vans at stores like Pacsun when I used to shop at stores like Pacsun. I just don’t want to relive any time in my life during which I could describe my style as “skater,” “surfer,” or “Avril Lavigne.” (I’d choose my “ghetto” phase over those any day.) I must say, Vans is stepping up their fashion game with a fully realized line of ready-to-wear for spring 2014.
We’re not talking logo hoodies or tees you’d only wear to bed; we’re talking animal, paisley, geometric, camo, floral, and skull prints adorning cut-out dresses, chiffon oxfords, and classic jean jackets. Vans’ head women’s designer Nadia Barienbrock describes the vibe as “alive, wild, and free,” but she definitely doesn’t mean it wild and free Pacsun-skater-teen sense. The line will have a much more grown-up feel, and could be worn by a girl who has never wore a pair of Vans in her life.
To make this fresh batch of ready-to-wear even more legit, Vans even had their first ever presentation in Manhattan last week (not during any particular Fashion Week, but it’s a start). The foray into RTW will be part of Vans’ push for a more global presence. Hey, if it’s not a big hit here in the states, let’s hope it becomes a must-have luxury in Europe, just like Abercrombie, Hollister, and American Eagle.
