Nicole McLaughlin Cooks Up a Collaboration With Vault by Vans
Inspired by gardening and workwear.
Multidisciplinary creative Nicole McLaughlin is back with another upcycling collaboration, this time turning her hand to Vault by Vans.
Transforming the classic Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX silhouette, McLaughlin merges responsibly sourced materials with upcycled pieces, aiming to spark conversations surrounding sustainability and waste. Adding utilitarian pockets for gardening materials and workwear tools to the shoe’s upper, the silhouette arrives in two new colorways.
First up, is the “White/Green” edition, drawing inspiration from the humble gardening tote, while the “Brown/Grey” colorway takes cues from workwear bucket bags — typically carried to and from job sites with a multitude of materials. Each iteration was crafted with organic cotton canvas uppers, 50% recycled polyester bindings and Vans’ innovative, bio-based foam.
Rounding out the shoe’s responsible design is the new VR3Waffle™ outsole, containing 60% responsibly sourced, natural rubber. The shoes are complete with custom McLaughlin labels and ankle collar straps, adding to their functional design.
“The Vault by Vans NM Gardening Tote is a vision I’ve had for a while,” says Nicole McLaughlin in a press release. “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,” she adds.
Touching on her process, McLaughlin explains, “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 Vault by Vans x Nicole McLaughlin collection will be available globally on Vans’ website and select retail locations from March 31.
