Taka Hayashi grew up skateboarding, and began to draw at a very early age. His talent is undeniable and his style reflects his unique journey as an artist.

For Fall 2008 Taka has redefined what is possible in a collaborative product project. Completely redesigning the footwear both in terms of upper detailing and outsole construction, Taka has delivered a product capsule where the details of the shoes become the design aesthetic and are still wearable. Using a variety of design techniques, materials, and, of course, his own art, Taka designed a Rowley Shambles Hi Top with buckled strap, a No Skool 2 Mid vulc with zipper entry, and an Owens Hi vulc with a lace cover panel. All the bottoms feature a retro striped tread design from the early Vans archive.

Taka didn’t stop with footwear, and has added a cut-and-sew raglan tee, as well as a short sleeve pocket tee bearing his marks. The capsule is completed with an extremely detailed pocket watch inspired by military precision and functionality with his signature iconography.