Founded by automotive enthusiast Arthur Kar, L’Art de l’Automobile is both a marketplace for exotic rides as well as a fashion label bent on car culture. With a history of colorful, retro-forward partnerships, it was only fitting that L’Art de l’Automobile would turn to Vans for its next release. What results is a shoe collab paying homage to one of the auto industry’s all-time greats: the MK1 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Inspired by the GTI owned by Kar’s family throughout his childhood, this playful take on the classic Era sneaker silhouette comes with tons of tasteful touches. For instance, each shoe comes fitted with Alcantara leather on the vamp and heel panels — the very same leather used in automotive interiors. What’s more, the material comes stamped with a design reminiscent of classic car vents. Underneath, the shoes get a crystal outsole featuring the words “Gas” and “Brake” in bold green and red lettering. And that’s not all — the sock liners also come printed with an engine bay image and the Vans’ side tag hides a French car registration plate. Available in white and black colorways, you can get them for $142.
