Larry Clark collaborates with Vans on ‘Kids’ themed collection

The collaboration launches on 3 November

A notorious theme of Larry Clark’s work, sex, drugs and skateboarding provided the foundation for his 1995 film Kids, which to this day still has a cult-like following.

The American film director and photographer has been using his camera to capture the reality of the teenage experience since 1961 but, as his first-ever feature film, Kids set itself apart from other films of the time – Clueless was released the same year – with its uncompromising and debauched documentation of life as teen in New York City.

A whirlwind of underage drinking, indiscriminate drug taking and illicit sexual encounters, the film’s bare-bones quality and unpolished style has since inspired a torrent of Kids-themed collections.

The latest of which comes from US skateboarding brand Vans. As a clothing company that’s been connecting with youth culture to promote self-expression and authenticity since its inception in 1966, it seems only natural that the two should collaborate.

So, what can you expect to see?

Included in the line-up is Larry Clark’s take on a pair of classic Old Skools in all-over black and embroidered with the visionary’s signature in contrasting white stitch.

You can also pick up a selection of printed long sleeve T-shirts and caps emblazoned with a poem written by the director, which reads, “It took a 12-year-old boy to figure out the city was a concrete playground.”

Of course, this isn’t the first time Clark has collaborated with a fashion brand. The inimitable photographer has also worked alongside Supreme, JW Anderson and even Dior Homme, for whom he not only modelled in the AW16 campaign but also shot a one-and-a-half minute short film featuring a group of young men wandering around Paris.

The Larry Clark x Vans “KIDS” collaboration drops 3 November at select retailers, including Dover Street Market Ginza, Dover Street Market Ginza, Billy’s ENT and United Arrows & Sons.