Nobody is quite doing design like Nicole McLaughlin, specializing in upcycling single-use materials, she creates hugely innovative and genuinely multi-functional products.
What started as a hobby when working as a graphic designer has now snowballed, catapulting her to the forefront of sustainable fashion design, collaborating with the likes of Merrell, HOKA, and Puma along the way.
Nicole’s latest endeavour sees her working with an old partner for a second time, Vans.
The initial partnership with the footwear company in 2023 saw Nicole put her hand to a Vans Slip-On, reimagining the silhouette with utilitarian pockets for gardening materials and tools across the toe.
For 2025, the pair have stepped out of the garden and onto the trail, this time viewing the Slip-On RS through the lens of ’70s hiking and outdoor equipment.
The silhouette sees a rucksack pocket added to the toe of the slip-on alongside adjustable nylon webbing and an upper built from 40% recycled canvas that has been treated with PFC-free DWR for waterproofing. Fittingly, the outsole has been kitted out with a lugged tread pattern providing comprehensive traction for the trails.
The two colourways up for grabs are light Tan and dark Grey, and we’ve not settled on our favourite of the pair yet.
Accompanying the Slip-on RS is an unorthodox-looking waist pack designed for carrying shoe-sized objects that also doubles as a climbing chalk bag, and in true Nicole McLaughlin fashion, a pair of socks with an attached cargo pouch titled the ‘Rucksock’ closes out the capsule. If you were to incorporate all three of the capsule products into an outfit, you’d have huge storage capabilities. More pockets than a snooker table.
You’re never left feeling tired after any news involving Nicole McLaughlin’s name, and this second collaboration with Vans is no different.
The Vans x Nicole McLaughlin collection will be available to shop on nicolemclaughlin.com from Wednesday, February 26 and vans.co.uk and select retailers on Thursday, February 27.
