For as long as folks have been customizing sneakers, one of the most commonly-replicated themes has been bringing iconic luxury house prints to popular models. We’re talking knockoff Gucci Air Force 1s and Louis Vuitton Converse – basically anything you might find in your city’s bootleg fashion district. These Au Départ x Vans Authentics, however, are the real deal.
Introduced at Paris Fashion Week, the Vans Authentic is here presented in premium leather featuring Au Départ’s timeless monogram. Michael Dupouy, best known for his ALL GONE book series, is the man who made the project possible, bringing Vans and Au Départ together after working with both brands individually. Images of four sample colorways appear toward the end of the gallery below, but only the “Cognac” made it into production.
This marks the Parisian trunk/accessory brand’s first ever sneaker collaboration, but we have some sour news to report. The Au Départ x Vans Authentic is for friends & family only, meaning you’ll have to know a guy to get your hands on a pair. See detailed images below and hit our Sneaker Release Dates page to preview pairs you can actually cop.
