wtaps Archives | BY THE LEVEL

Vans x WTAPS AW16 Collab

Posted on September 9, 2016September 9, 2016 by George Metcalf

Footwear OG’s Vans are turning 50 this year and luckily for us they’re celebrating by collaborating once again with street-wear giants WTAPS. The Japanese brand are also celebrating their 20^th anniversary very soon, so what better way to reflect on the past than by reviving a classic look for this collab.

The beloved cross bone motif will feature on the OG Sk8-Hi LX, OG Chukka Boot LX and OG Authentic LX silhouettes and will come in either a black or olive colour-way. The drop will also include an outwear piece in the form of a military style jacket featuring the cross bone pattern as well as some printed text.

If you want to include any of these pieces in your Autumn rotation, the collab will be dropping on the 10^th of September at selected Vans and WTAPS retailers including Goodhood and Footpatrol in limited quantities so don’t sleep!

Vault by Vans x WTAPS “Original Classics” Collection

Posted on September 11, 2015September 11, 2015 by bythelevel

With almost a decade of collaborative projects behind them, the Vans x WTAPS releases have grown to become one of the most highly anticipated events on the fashion and sneaker lovers calendar. Coming together once again for Fall 2015, Tetsu Nishiyama’s WTAPS delve into the Californian skate giants extensive archive to produce an eight-piece footwear collection full of clean designs.

Earlier this year Vans released their collaborative Sk8-Hi with respected Russian creative Gosha Rubchinskiy, and seemingly things couldn’t get any better than that in terms of execution and design. Well WTAPS may well have just come along and trumped it as they rework 3 key styles: the OG Era LX, the OG Style 36 LX (the original Old Skool) and the beloved SK8-Hi, all completed with quality in craftsmanship and an attention to detail that is undoubtably WTAPS. Aligning with WTAPS unique approach to aesthetic, the “Original Classics” collection looks to footwear silhouettes in their truest forms – their original forms, and unlocks each styles full potential.

The bold OG Era LX rework draws inspiration from traditional Japanese school uniforms known as the “uwabaki” concept – applying red, blue and green to the sole units, which originally signified a student’s grade level. The shoe arrives with a true white canvas upper, tonal lacing and a custom WTAPS tab. The OG SK8-Hi LX was chosen because its a personal favourite of the WTAPS founder, and for the capsule release, it has been infused with elements of the styling from the Vans Caballero, which was first introduced back in 1989. Embossed reptile nubuck and a durable suede mix graces the upper, and is available in grey/black and all-black colour options. Rounding off the release is the OG Style 36 LX, reworked with a premium brushed suede in 3 rich colour ways of black, burgundy and navy iterations. Once again featuring the custom WTAPS tab, nice touches in the leather side stripe and WTAPS tongue label complete the look.

The Vault by Vans x WTAPS “Original Classics” Collection drops tomorrow (12th September 2015) in limited quantaties at select retailers including Dover Street Market, Goodhood, Sneakersnstuff & Offspring

FPAR® Fall/Winter 2015

Posted on August 3, 2015August 3, 2015 by bythelevel

Tetsu Nishiyama’s FPAR have released this set of polaroid inspired visuals to showcase their latest offering for Fall/Winter 2015.

Born in 1993, FPAR (Forty Percents Against Rights) has seen a resurgence over the last few years, in particular in European markets, following the opening of their online store and their increased availability in the UK. As the brainchild of WTAPS founder Nishiyama, the popularity of the brand is unsurprising, famed for their tongue-in-cheek political messaging emblazoned across simplistic streetwear silhouettes, they draw inspiration from silk screen printing techniques and a ‘Do It Yourself’ attitude.

This seasons release sticks close to their recognisable aesthetic, developing their range with new slogan-printed tees, long sleeves and hoodies, alongside more considered styles in the embroidered oxford shirt and clean coach jackets. A small selection of headwear and heavily branded carry goods, such as tote bags and wallets, round off the release.

The FPAR® Fall/Winter 2015 collection is available now at A Number Of Names both online and in store.

WTAPS Spring/Summer 2014 ‘Concrete Environment’

Posted on May 23, 2014December 10, 2014 by bythelevel

One of Japans finest exports, WTAPS arrive at END. with their Spring/Summer 2014 collection entitled ‘Concrete Environment’.

Responsible for some of the most iconic street wear designs to come out of East Asia, WTAPS latest release features yet another solid range of Americana and Military inspired designs, that have been at the brands core since the beginning. The collection delivers a range of wardrobe staples that sit alongside a strong shirting selection and outerwear pieces. Stand out items include the British DPM camouflage jacket and WTAPS utility shirt.

Check out the WTAPS Spring/Summer collection available at END. now.