From Yohji Yamamoto to Batman, xVessel’s sneaker strategy

Following on from a Yohji Yamamoto collaboration back in 2022 — conjured up at a karaoke session between founder Van Ness Wu and the designer — Taiwanese-American streetwear brand xVessel has launched a Batman-themed Christmas capsule collection featuring its signature sneakers. Also in streetwear news this week, moody Chinese favorite Hamcus joins forces with South Korean outdoor clothing brand Kolon Sport, and heritage skate brand Vision Streetwear teams up with Chinese artist and Trouble Smile founder Yan Cheng. Read on for our verdict on these and subscribe to the Collaborations newsletter here. Hamcus x Kolon Sport Details: Outdoor clothing and footwear collection, launched November 19. Pop-up runs November 20 to December 1 at M-11-Seum in Guangzhou. Social context: On Xiaohongshu, #hamcus has 8.8 million reads, and #kolonsport has 1 million. Verdict: Exploring a futuristic, narrative-driven concept in the form of “Gaea,” the collection marries Hamcus’ conceptual design approach with Kolon Sport’s focus on the technicalities of outdoor clothing. Hamcus has a loyal fan base in Asia, while Kolon Sport is most widely known in South Korea. This is a partnership of Asian fashion innovation, enabling both brands to benefit from each other’s following. The limited-edition gear, including Strider footwear and modular expedition tools, blends Hamcus’ streetwear ethos with Kolon Sport’s outdoor expertise. The result is a hybrid collection that serves both fashion-forward streetwear enthusiasts and those seeking durable, high-performance gear. The collaboration highlights the growing intersection between streetwear culture and functional outdoor wear. Vision Streetwear x Yan Cheng (Run) Details: Christmas capsule collection, December 1 Social context: #Visionstreetwear has 44.8 million reads on Weibo. Verdict: Vision Street Wear’s collaboration with young Chinese artist Yan Cheng Run taps into the brand’s storied 1980s legacy, blending nostalgic skate culture references with the fresh, bold aesthetic of a contemporary artist. The capsule collection revives the iconic Vision style while integrating Yan’s unique artistic approach, appealing to both longtime fans and younger, style-conscious consumers. By partnering with Yan, the founder of his own streetwear brand Trouble Smile, Vision Street Wear embraces a cross-cultural collaboration that bridges American skate culture with Chinese streetwear influences. Launching the collection as a Christmas capsule gives it an exclusive, seasonal appeal, capitalizing on the holiday shopping rush while offering limited-edition pieces that enhance its desirability. Brands commonly deploy this strategy over the holiday season. xVessel x Batman Details: Sneakers, November 26 Social context: On Xiaohongshu #xvessel has 44.9 million reads. Verdict: Celebrating the iconic superhero while integrating the streetwear brand’s signature design philosophy, xVessel connects Batman’s timeless legacy with its cutting-edge style, bringing together pop culture and modern street fashion through innovative sneaker design. The 85th anniversary of Batman provides a timely occasion to celebrate the character’s enduring impact. With xVessel’s connection to both sneaker culture and celebrity influence (through Van Ness Wu), this collaboration bridges generations of fans, combining nostalgia among older Batman enthusiasts with the contemporary, high-fashion appeal of xVessel’s signature silhouette, the Gop Low. Known for its hybrid vulcanized-cork construction, the xVessel Gop Low sneaker blends craftsmanship and function. This collab takes the iconic silhouette and infuses it with Batman-inspired elements, offering a unique design that honors both xVessel’s innovative approach to footwear and Batman’s aesthetic.

From Yohji Yamamoto to Batman, xVessel’s sneaker strategy

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Published December 03, 2024

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From Yohji Yamamoto to Batman, xVessel’s sneaker strategy