Vans have partnered with pro-surfer Alex Knost for a collaboration that sees him rework the footwear brand’s classic 1977 Style 36 Deacon SF, inspired by the colour palette and textures found in the Costa Mesa-native’s 5th generation, ‘80s Coupe de Ville Cadillac.

Giving Van’s longest-standing silhouette a bold revamp, the new addition comes lacquered in a glossy, vegan patent leather in a bitter chocolate colourway, while the collection also includes a reworked Sk8-Hi 138 Decon SF, rendered in a new luxe vintage navy colourway. Both styles from the collection are completed with Van’s signature natural gum vulcanized sole, and UtlraCush insole – in homage to Van’s roots in comfort.

And here’s the rub, the car itself was born out of a refreshed vision in the 80s as Cadillac looked to shift the Cadillac de Ville series in tune with a new decade. This saw the US company lower the nose of the car, fit a higher tail end and build a more substantial body – with the signature ‘Cadillac’ script on the driver’s side grille header. Knost’s Vans collaboration shares this creative impulse – check out his new film Tan Madonna for extra insight into his the surfer’s artistic vision.

Shop the Alex Knost collection at Vans stores and online.
Follow Alex on Instagram.