This Collection Pays Tribute to Four of Van Gogh’s Most Famous Paintings

by Lauren Hazlewood July 30, 2018

Vincent Van Gogh is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated artists of all time. From the swirling blues of The Starry Night to the bespattered self-portraits (with both ears or without), his work is instantly recognizable. So it’s really no surprise that Vans decided to incorporate Van Gogh’s colourful work into a brand-new collection.

Van Gogh has already made his mark in the fashion world. Back in 2011, Rodarte dedicated an entire show to Van Gogh, sending a selection of dresses inspired by the artist’s dreamy sunflowers and delicate almond blossoms down the runway. More recently, Louis Vuitton collaborated with Jeff Koons on a highly popular collection of bags, which included the brand’s signature Speedy bag emblazoned with Wheatfield with Cypresses, the 1889 landscape painting by the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter.

Now, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has helped Vans create a new tribute to the late icon. Over 2,000 pieces of art were considered before the streetwear brand decided on four paintings that fit the Vans aesthetic best. In the end, Skull, Almond Blossom, Sunflowers and Van-Gogh’s self-portrait were chosen, along with replications of handwritten letters the artist wrote to his brother, Theo.

From comfy bomber jackets to Vans’ classic slip-on shoes, there are a lot of different ways to wear the art. “By uniting Van Gogh’s iconic artworks with iconic Vans styles, our partnership brings Vincent’s art “Off The Wall” and into the world to a new audience outside the museum,” said Adriaan Dönszelmann, Managing Director of the museum.

The collection will be available worldwide online, in select retail stores and at the Amsterdam museum starting August 3. A portion of the profits will be used to maintain the museum’s art collection, preserving Van Gogh’s legacy so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.