Pick of the bunch: Vans x Liberty Collaboration
Have I told you about my love for a Liberty print? On and off for many years, I worked around the corner from the iconic store. When I first moved to London, I would spend lunchtimes in the haberdashery with a Liberty-print-loving pal. Where we’d carefully plan what to make from the small amount of fabric our meagre wages could afford. Years later, as a magazine fashion editor, I was once again based near the Temple of Tana Lawn and often browsed the beautiful halls for inspiration. And so, the first department store I visited when we came out of lockdown was Liberty. After months in isolation wandering through the store via the new, one-way system felt like stepping onto the set of La La Land…
Being a fan of sneaker chic, this week I’ve been checking out the recently launched Van’s x Liberty collaboration. Centred around three high-impact, floral Liberty prints, emblazoned onto Van’s classic, Old Skool trainers, clothes and accessories. I’m not overly keen on the clothing, but love how the classic side-stripe sneaker has been revved up with Liberty’s lively prints. These kicks are guaranteed to lift your mood.
Available now at Liberty, Van’s, ASOS and KLAXON the blue colourway is reduced to £40 at Office.
Multi / Yellow Floral printed style
Liberty Fabric Jacket, £90, available HERE.
*Please note affiliate links may gain a small commission
Discussion (23 Comments)
Patrish says:
Liberty was always my first stop. Decades of travel for work from the US to the UK taught me to ease into the new time zone to prepare for busy days ahead. I saved the first day for myself heading straight for Liberty. Roaming the floors there are still a very vivid memory. In a conversation with one of the lovely sales assistants, I remarked that I should be spending my first day in a museum. She looked at me, smiled and said ‘Liberty is a museum’. Indeed.
Alice says:
It is! Planning my first post-lockdown first trip to London in early July. V&A and Liberty; not necessarily in that order!
Gemma says:
I own a pair of these and I love them. Just be forewarned that these shoes have the insole glued in, so it’s hard-to-impossible to replace them with orthodics.
Astrid says:
I don’t own any Vans (yet!) and often fall between sizes. Would you say the sizing is generally accurate or generous?
Louize says:
That jacket!! Thanks for sharing, maybe (!) – I may have been influenced to buy it 🙂 I love olive/khaki and liberty, so there was no way I could resist.
Unfortunately, because of Brexit, I couldn’t use your link as I would have been hit with import duties here in Belgium if it had shipped from the UK, sorry 🙁Oh pleased you like the jacket – it’s my favourite piece from the clothing collection. The impact of Brexit on trade with our European neighbours (as well as other things) is a complete tragedy…
Thanks Helen! I found it discounted at boozt.com, a Swedish site
Brexit is a heart breaking mess on so many levels…
carole b says:
‘Och no, dear, you can’t do that’ as my scottish landlady (in Morecambe student digs) used to say circa 1977… Love Liberty prints, love old skool trainers, but together? Give me a classic white/off white (or black) canvas – can’t beat it!
But that was Morecambe in the seventies (I was down the road in Blackpool at the time) – and see how well the florals go with khaki!
I worked in Liberty’s as a sales assistant in the Tana Lawn department at the age of 19. I loved it there and it always felt like being part of a family. I still have some pieces that I bought when there – sadly the flowery look doesn’t suit me now! But I still look at them lovingly and have a plan for a quilt with them.
Sierra says:
What a lovely idea Jane! I once made a patchwork quilt from the 1960s and 1970s clothes I used to wear, back then, as a young woman. It’s been stuffed in an old pine blanket box for years. You’ve inspired me to get it out. Such memories come flooding back. I hope your quilt has the same effect. x
Jane Pryor says:
You must get your quilt out! It sounds wonderful. I think the quilt will be a winter project for me. You’ve encouraged me to get planning it!
Mrs Tonia says:
You have encouraged me to construct a quilt from a liberty lawn dress I still have which I made as a student.
Couldn’t bear to part with it. Many thanks.
Hi Alyson,
I was actually offered a job at Liberty (in the art department where they sold paintings, prints and what not) in 1965. It was the summer after my junior year abroad at Manchester University. But my parents insisted that I come home. Love the store!Frankie says:
I think these are beautiful but Vans are definitely the brand for teenagers at the moment (having two in my household I know) so I might feel a little self conscious in them. Shame….
Sue DeSanna says:
I wouldn’t have known Vans was a teen favorite if you hadn’t mentioned it. I don’t care what brand I’m wearing, as long as they make me smile. I wear only solid muted clothing, but my collection of whimsical socks and shoes in spiffy colors or patterns not only brightens my own day, but others’, too! I always wear Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” socks to doctor and dentist appointments. They appreciate the humor.
Go for the Liberty, and enjoy the beautiful view when you look down.A. Clatworthy says:
Oh no Frankie, you can definitely wear Vans. I’m a 56 yer old California gal, we all wear Vans!
Those sneakers are fabulous! I’d wear them in a heartbeat, but I must not succumb to temptation and check to see if they’re available in Canada. I have too many pairs already! Or, is it actually possible to have to many pairs of sneakers? Hmm…
Temple of Tana Lawn. Yes that’s a destination I have always loved and frequented. I wear the stuff. Have made dresses from it and have some vintage yardage uncovered from storage of both lawn and printed Varuna wool. Plan had been to have my usual dressmaker make me a few dresses. Then along came the pandemic and it’s multiple lockdowns. So no dresses just the fabric needing bringing to life. For now liberty print Uniqlo T-shirt’s at least four in different colour ways. And Cacharel lawn summer tops with frills. Perfect if they still fit.
The vans sneakers look just perfect.
Helen 
bonnie 
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I have a serious case of the wants. Can i justify buying another sneaker?