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Referencing Japanese anime, we’ve teamed up with Californian skatewear icons Vans to impart our creative spin on the brand’s classic Highland silhouette – delivering the ‘Yukiko’.

On March 16, 1966, Vans opened its very first store at 704 East Broadway in Anaheim, California. Burgeoning throughout the late ’60s, Vans spoke to youth everywhere. Whether you were an artist from a small town, a punk from the city, or a Southern Californian skater, the brand resonated – just as it continues to speak to designers, musicians and the youth of today.

Similarly, the creative spark of anime was set alight across the US during the ‘60s. Hailing from Japan, the iconic Astro Boy cartoon made its debut on 1st January 1963 and introduced the colourful, otherworldly genre to a whole new continent of fans. The animated series would go on to inspire many of the well-known anime series we know and love today, be it Dragon Ball Z, Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh!. So, to honour this highly influential decade, we’ve created an anime-inspired silhouette that fuses the two creative forces into one colourful design.

Our limited-edition ‘Yukiko’ (or ゆきこ in Japanese) Highland shoe takes its title from the popular Japanese girl’s name. Loosely translating into “Happy Child” in English, the vibrant pair draws influence from the colourful hues found at cosplay events around the globe. For those who don’t know, the practice of cosplay is where anime and manga fans dress up as their beloved Japanese characters.

Infusing the Highland with this imaginative flair, the pair’s low-profile uppers are cut from navy suede, offset by pops of patent pink leather to the midfoot side stripe. A slight deviation from the pair’s usual detailing, this luxury version is tooled up with a cushioned exposed foam tongue for a deconstructed aesthetic, while white stitching is used throughout to the shoe’s base.

Other key features include Vans vintage ‘Off The Wall’ cotton labelling to the tongue, a new flexible cupsole, and an UltraCush drop-in sockliner for elevated support and comfort. Finally, detailed perforations feature across the uppers to keep your feet cool when on the move.

The size? exclusive Vans Highland ‘Yukiko’ will be available via the size?previews app and in size? stores on Friday 8th March, priced at £70 and available in both men’s and women’s sizes.

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