You may have never heard of the Huichol tribe but chances are you’ve seen its art. Consisting of colorful beading and embroidery, the painstaking creations have provided inspiration to countless artists ranging from die-hard Kid Robot collectors to Christian Louboutin. Its intricate patterns cover everything from Day of the Dead skulls to pottery to figurines—and now a limited release of Vans.
As one of the country’s indigenous peoples, the Huichol live within the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains where they’ve managed to preserve their way of life through the centuries. Peyote is key to their culture; it provides visions and guides Huichol shamans in the process of regenerating the tribe’s souls. It also serves as the basis for their use of vivid color and imagery that incorporates everything from the hallucinogenic cactus to deer to scorpions.
Which brings us back to these Vans. They’re specially commissioned works of art created by the Huichol. This is not some fake beading or machine stitching meant to mimic cultural appropriation; the design of these two styles required 10 months of work between the brand and the artisans. Each pair is hand-sewn and beaded, making them unique and pretty much unlike every other sneaker you will ever own. With only 360 made in the entire world, they’re not exactly going to sit around long. So cop yours now because with something this special, they’re guaranteed to be iconic.
Note: Available via phone order only. To place an order, please call us at (646) 237-6078 Mon–Fri 10 AM–6 PM EST or e-mail ONLINE@OPENINGCEREMONY.US.
Shop other Vault by Vans styles here![]()
Vault by Vans x Huichol Slip-Ons and Sk8-Hi. Photos courtesy of Vault by Vans![]()
The Vault by Vans Sk8-His, featuring Huichol beading![]()
An artisan sews beads on the shoes.![]()
Embroidering the Slip-Ons![]()
The finished product
As one of the country’s indigenous peoples, the Huichol live within the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains where they’ve managed to preserve their way of life through the centuries. Peyote is key to their culture; it provides visions and guides Huichol shamans in the process of regenerating the tribe’s souls. It also serves as the basis for their use of vivid color and imagery that incorporates everything from the hallucinogenic cactus to deer to scorpions.
Which brings us back to these Vans. They’re specially commissioned works of art created by the Huichol. This is not some fake beading or machine stitching meant to mimic cultural appropriation; the design of these two styles required 10 months of work between the brand and the artisans. Each pair is hand-sewn and beaded, making them unique and pretty much unlike every other sneaker you will ever own. With only 360 made in the entire world, they’re not exactly going to sit around long. So cop yours now because with something this special, they’re guaranteed to be iconic.
Note: Available via phone order only. To place an order, please call us at (646) 237-6078 Mon–Fri 10 AM–6 PM EST or e-mail ONLINE@OPENINGCEREMONY.US.
Shop other Vault by Vans styles here
Vault by Vans x Huichol Slip-Ons and Sk8-Hi. Photos courtesy of Vault by Vans
The Vault by Vans Sk8-His, featuring Huichol beading
An artisan sews beads on the shoes.
Embroidering the Slip-Ons
The finished product