Vetements Checkerboard Slip-On Shoe Could Pose Legal Issue with Vans

Earlier this evening, Vetements previewed an upcoming checkerboard slip-on shoe that is said to be part of their SS18 lineup. Almost immediately speculation surrounded the shoes as to whether or not this was an upcoming project with Vans as the shoes not only are eerily similar to the classic Vans Slip-On, but also sport the trademarked checkerboard pattern across the upper.

We reached out to one of our contacts at Vans where it was confirmed that there was not an official project between Vans and Vetements.

Being that this shoe is not officially a project between the two brands could mean troubles for the fashion label as Vans has repeatedly defended their trademark of the iconic checkerboard pattern in US and foreign courts.

Vans first used the checkerboard pattern on footwear in 1981 and make it an iconic print throughout the decade on a variety of models of their footwear.  On February 20, 1990 the US Trademark office granted Vans with the trademark for the pattern on footwear.