Vans has tapped professional BMX biker and home goods maker Parker Heath for a shoe collaboration featuring Heath’s artwork. The Vans BMX collection has an insole pattern designed by Heath for a throw blanket in his Par Ker Made home goods line.
The pattern, dubbed “Redstripe,” first appeared in one of Heath’s abstract paintings and features curving stripes and dots in a boho palette inspired by the muted colors of the Southern California landscape. Heath translated the motif to a jacquard woven throw blanket as part of his home goods line before it got picked up by the VF Corp. sneaker brand.
“I never would’ve thought that just two-and-a-half years ago that sharing my artwork and designs with the world—whether in paper, canvas or blanket form—would put me on the platform I have the privilege of standing on now,” Heath said. “Following my artistic path has led to my original artwork being featured on a Vans BMX collection shoe that can be found at stores all over the world and on the feet of numerous fellow BMX riders—it’s beyond my wildest dreams.”
The shoe bearing Heath’s artwork is part of a BMX-specific slip-on collection designed by BMX rider Dennis Enarson. The outsole comes in black fabric and the bottom of the shoe is made with a waffle style designed to give BMX riders a better pedal grip.
The shoe is available now in unisex sizing and retails for $80 on vans.com.
The Vans BMX collection has an insole pattern designed by Heath for a throw blanket in his Par Ker Made home goods line.
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In addition to the shoe line, Heath also recently licensed his artwork to two wall covering companies, Wall Snobs and Ayara Home. The Wall Snobs line includes three of Heath’s designs in wallpaper, while the Ayara Home collection includes four wallpaper designs and three wall art options.
Earlier this year, Vans collaborated with artist, designer and Midnight Studios founder Shane Gonzales for the Vault by Vans x Shane Gonzales collection. The line includes three Vault by Vans footwear styles reimagined with the rock-and-roll aesthetic that characterizes Gonzales’ work.
