Remember those Vans that A$AP Rocky was, well, rocking a few days ago, in between dates with Rihanna? Turns out they were a teaser of much more than mere footwear collabs. Fast fashion juggernaut Pacsun has named Rocky its new guest artistic director, signaling another step toward the future of mass market fashion.
We already knew that Rocky was working on Vans but this Pacsun partnership is a whole ‘nother ball of yarn. According to a statement issued by Pacsun, the project also brings his A$AP Worldwide onboard for a series of limited collaborative drops, activations, and campaigns exclusive to Pacsun’s downtown Los Angeles and New York flagships for the next 18 months.
First up, expect some firey Vans, but not the backless style that Rocky was showing off. Instead, the Old Skool is the rapper’s first silhouette of choice, reimagining the sneaker in three makeups of black canvas, white leather, and reflective silver, all laden with embroidered flames. In the statement, Rocky hinted that “some of the most respected heritage brands” in “sportswear and lifestyle” will inform future drops.
“Together with Pacsun, we will be releasing several limited-edition collections that are both nostalgic and forward at the same time,” Rocky said in the statement.
“It has been an inspiring creative process for our team to work alongside A$AP Rocky for the past 18 months,” affirmed Brieane Olson, Pacsun’s President.
This is far from Pacsun’s first dip into the realm of ultra-hyped streetwear: the chain retailer hosted drops of Fear of God‘s red-hot ESSENTIALS brand up until recently — ESSENTIALS’ most recent collection was a Nordstrom exclusive.
Pretty Flacko’s latest endeavor doesn’t have a specific launch date but sign up on Pacsun’s A$AP Rocky minisite for updates.
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