“You Know Where We Stay.
Vans Vault recently approached KICKS/HI to do a collection of shoes that represents their unique perspective of Hawai’i, and we responded by creating a unique and limited edition Era & Chukka pack based on the theme of “Mauka to Makai” (from the mountains to the sea). To really deliver an authentic Hawaiian aesthetic — they reached out to Sig Zane Designs based in Hilo, on the Big Island, just as they did for the still requested Converse (RED) Chuck Taylor collaboration from 2006.
The Hawai’i Compass: Mauka & Makai
“No matter what island, district, or homestead that you’re from, if you grew up in Hawaiʻi, you know your Mauka (toward the mountains) & Makai (toward the sea) – from Mauka Ko’olau, Haleakalā, or Hualalai, to Makai beaches and ocean that surround us. Being surrounded by the sea, we have a unique island compass built upon those Mauka to Makai directions. This is a part of our upbringing. It’s how we figure out where we “stay”. It’s engraved into us.
Based off the genius Kicks/Hi line ‘You Know Where We Stay,’ we were inspired by Hawaiʻi’s most basic directional cue points as a starting point for our efforts. On the Big island with the snow at the top of Mauna Kea every winter and on the same day the glimmer of Omokaʻa fish pond in Miloliʻi – It’s a natural wonder to traverse almost every climate zone available on earth in about half a day’s time. Packing trucks full of snow and heading for the beach on the reg here on Moku O Keawe.” –Kuha’o Zane (Creative Director, Sig Zane Designs)
“Mauka” Chukka Boot LX Premium
This boot body features a suede and linen upper, cut leather laces and gum sole. We chose an espresso brown colorway with lighter leather accents to reflect the Mauka (mountain inspired) feel and environment. The Mauka Chukka design incorporates Sig Zane’s hand-cut artwork of the endemic Hawaiian silversword, ‘Āhinahina, and the Mauka-inspired print, Pu’umanawale’a.
“Makai” Era LX Premium
The reflection of the blue sky with glimmers of white in Omoka’a pond is the signature of our paradise. Where the Pacific meets the islands, we are left with a tide pool palette unique to the Makai (the sea). With a sky linen body, white leather tongue and also with cut leather laces, this is the solid summer joint. The Olako’aka featured on the insole takes us back to the beginning of the Kumulipo creation chant. The mushroom coral is one of the first creatures mentioned in the Kumulipo and make up the origins of our Hawaiian islands.
“Mauka to Makai” Vans Vault x KICKS/HI x Sig Zane
This limited Vans Vault pack will be released exclusively at KICKS/HI (Honolulu, HI), Sig Zane Designs (Hilo, HI), KICKS/HI Guam (Tumon Bay, Guam), and Saint Alfred (Chicago) on during Merrie Monarch week, April 14th, 2012. The shoes will be available online at: www.sigzane.com & www.kickshawaii.com/store the following Monday.”