OBJECTIVE
Re-envision the concept of a Vans slip-on for the future through the lens of alternative closure, while still maintaining true to the Vans brand DNA.
SKETCHING
I started off with some quick sketches on how to incorporate gore and or elastic into a new silhouette that still kept the DNA of a classic Vans shoe.
ITERATIVE MODELS
I built several models using tape, elastic and gore to simulate shape form and fit. These models were then brought into illustrator and tweaked to work within the confines of the gore and elastic materials and the branding regulations put in place by Vans.
ITERATIVE MODEL 01
I liked the simplicity of a large gore piece but it also could not be shaped which fought against the silhouette of the slip-on low.
ITERATIVE MODEL 02
Not Goldilocks final pick, but I realized that I was onto something with the crossed gore strapping. It crated visual intrigue intteracting with the other elements of the shoe and it held the foot in a comfortable position. Running elastic or gore into the foxing would be potentially difficult and not durable against the abuse from dedicated skaters.
ITERATIVE MODEL 03
I was fascinated by simplifying the silhouette of the half cab further. Here I experimented with the visual feasibility of including a gore or elastic strap and shortening the lace length with an oversized toecap pattern.
ITERATIVE MODEL 04
This model was a combination of my learnings experimenting with the Half Cab and slip-on lows. This shoe combines the booty and elastic or gore strapping without covering too much of the shoes original detailing. Tribute stitching over the gore also reinforces the visual language of the silhouette while also adding increased durability to the gore.
FINAL REFINEMENT
I combined my learnings from each iterative model together and used that to inform the design of the final Half Cab Gore.
FINAL TECH PACK
