END. X VANS LX OLD SKOOL 136 'PARACHUTE'

Drawing influence from vintage military parachutes, the latest collaborative project from END. sees the British retailer link up with skate legends Vans, enlisting visual artist, photographer, skateboarder and musician Sam Hutchinson to create his own artworks inspired by the LX Old Skool 136 “Parachute”.  

 Joining forces with long term collaborators Vans once again, END. tap the Californian skateboarding stalwarts for a bespoke style in a premium make-up. Presenting the END. x Vans LX Old Skool 136, the two brands deliver a rugged and durable skate shoe silhouette that encapsulates Vans’ rich heritage with a subtle military sensibility and a refined outlook.  

Dressed in a bright white, the shoe’s ripstop uppers nod to the aesthetics of parachutes, punctuated with tonal suede panels to the toebox, eyestay, heel counter and the iconic Vans “Jazz Stripe”. Further indebted to Vans’ history as one of the first American skateboarding brands, the collaborative shoe implements vulcanised rubber midsoles for additional protection to the side of the foot and toes. Complete with co-branded insoles, the END. x Vans LX Old Skool 136 “Parachute” deliver a blend of militaristic aesthetics and classic skateboarding finesse.  

Connecting with Sam in his studio ahead of the launch of the END. x Vans LX Old Skool 136 “Parachute” collaboration, the artist created a number of sculptural photographs encapsulating the atmosphere and concept behind the product, delivered through his own singular lens. Born in Sunderland but now based in Leeds, Sam Hutchinson’s creative practice spans from photography and sculpture to zine-making and publishing. 

The END. x Vans LX Old Skool 136 “Parachute” will launch in all END. stores and online via END. Launches on 21st February 2025.