Vans x Cocona Hiraki Premium Old Skool Arrives in Black
Vans and Japanese Olympic skateboarder Cocona Hiraki expand their collaborative Premium Old Skool series with a darker iteration in Black. Following last year's standout Beige release, this new colorway channels Hiraki's DIY aesthetic through embroidered details, beaded accents, and hidden doodles—bringing her off-board creative energy to the iconic silhouette.
By Jordan Ellis
The partnership between Vans and Cocona Hiraki has proven itself a natural creative alignment—one rooted in skate authenticity but expressed through a decidedly personal, playful lens. The Japanese Olympic skateboarder's first Premium Old Skool collaboration arrived as part of Vans' New Future Collection, immediately distinguishing itself from standard model iterations through its emphasis on tactile, hand-crafted detailing. This Black colorway deepens that dialogue, trading the original's soft, neutral palette for a monochromatic statement that lets embellishment take the lead.
Design Details
The upper arrives in black corduroy—a material choice that signals premium construction while maintaining the understated warmth the silhouette demands. Hiraki's signature design language unfolds across the surface: white blanket stitching wraps the shoe in intricate gridwork, while beaded safety pins sit as deliberate accent pieces. Embroidered doodles scatter throughout, and a woven friendship bracelet drapes across the heel counter, anchoring the shoe in a distinctly personal, youth-inflected aesthetic that never tips into kitsch.
The midsole arrives in crisp white—a necessary contrast that both grounds the darker upper and ensures the shoe maintains visual legibility. Below, a gum rubber outsole delivers functional grip while the translucent waffle finish reveals more hidden doodles embedded within, rewarding closer inspection. It's a detail that extends Hiraki's playfulness into the structural components, suggesting that even the functional architecture of the Old Skool can serve as a canvas.
Collaboration Context
Hiraki's creative influence has become increasingly visible across Vans' premium offerings. Unlike collaborations that approach the Old Skool through technical innovation or retro recreation, Hiraki's vision centers on personality and customization culture—elements that resonate deeply with skate communities where personal expression has always driven aesthetics. The Premium Old Skool line, by positioning her work within Vans' lifestyle tier rather than core skate offerings, signals the brand's understanding that contemporary sneaker culture spans both competitive discipline and individualized creative practice.
This Black release arrives as a natural progression. Where the Beige iteration offered softness and subtlety, the monochromatic Black upper intensifies the embellished detailing, making each beaded safety pin and embroidered line a deliberate compositional choice. The shift in base color also broadens styling flexibility—a consideration that matters when positioning a $120 premium release in a competitive market.
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Release Info
The Vans x Cocona Hiraki Premium Old Skool in Black / Marshmallow White is available now at Vans. The colorway carries an MSRP of $120 USD and is designated under SKU VN000EGYCRMM.
FAQs
What's included in the Cocona Hiraki Premium Old Skool design?
The Black colorway features a black corduroy upper with white blanket stitching, embroidered doodles, beaded safety pins, a woven friendship bracelet on the heel, a white midsole, gum rubber outsole, and translucent waffle detailing with hidden doodles.
How much does the Premium Old Skool Cocona Hiraki cost?
The shoe retails for $120 USD.
Where can I buy the Vans x Cocona Hiraki Premium Old Skool in Black?
The shoe is currently available for purchase at Vans' official website and retail locations.
