Industry Interview: Taka Hayashi Talks Vans Vault

Boasting a resume built on range and refined styling, Taka Hayashi is not one to brag. The humble designer has been a fixture in footwear, streetwear and skateboarding for years, with his recent work for Vans gaining acclaim for shifted silos and depth in genre. As Vans Vault celebrates ten years of premium product and prepares for another season of shoes, we caught up with Taka to discuss his time with Vans Vault, his favorite collaborations and his approach to design. Get Taka’s take on the following topics in this installment of Industry Interview.

Nice Kicks: How did collaborating with Vans originally come about?

Taka Hayashi: Initially, I hooked up with my friend Berto who was running Vans Syndicate. He approached me to do the second project for Vans Syndicate. From there on, I went on full time doing a project for them. The original Syndicate project started in ’06 and I worked on it for about a year.

Nice Kicks: Many of your best models see adaptations or alterations to classic Vans silos. What was the initial response to altering such classic shoes?

Taka Hayashi: [Laughs] They were iffy at first, but once it went into production and got the response from the consumers, they were really excited about it. The first Vans Syndicate project was just embroidery application. The second one, I tweaked out all the panels, I did woven leather on the side stripes and tweaked out the toe bumper – just everything from the outsole to the upper. It just comes naturally and organically. I start out with something and it builds.

Nice Kicks: How has your role at Vans evolved over the last decade?

Taka Hayashi: It’s been really good. I got to explore a lot of things through Vans Vault. It just feels great to be part of that group.

Pendleton x Vans Vault Sk8-Hi

Nice Kicks: When looking back at your time with Vans, what collaborative projects or collections stand out as your favorite?

Taka Hayashi: Wow, there are so many. I definitely like the Diemme Sk8-His and the Slip-Ons. The Pendelton collab I really enjoyed doing. That’s my number one.

Nice Kicks: Of all your released models, which pair was the most challenging either from a design or production standpoint?

Taka Hayashi: There are so many. [Laughs] The early ones…the Akat was a tough production and a design. The Sierra Dune that I did for Fall 2012 was tough to construct – everything from using the Vibram outsole to the leather to the embroidery.