Underground cartoonist Robert Williams (a.k.a. Robt. Williams) was the ideal choice for Vans latest sneaker collaboration series from their Vault collection representing the crossover of rockabilly and car culture, art in the form of cartoons, and skate. To mark the launch, on June 14th Vans brought in 5 classic hotrod cars, the band Hotrod Trio (complete with stand-up bass), and the legendary artist himself, who many fans were excited to finally meet. In addition, the showcase featured the artwork of Robt. Williams with his classic comics and paintings, as well as his artwork on Vans slip-ons and high-tops, which represented the crossover of cartoon art, skate, fashion, and sneaker culture.

“We felt that Robt. Williams represented sort of that peripheral lifestyle that crosses over with skateboarding and music connections and the Southern California heritage that overlaps with the culture that tinkers with hotrods,” explained Chris Overholser, public relations manager from Vans about choosing Williams for their latest collaboration in their Vault series. “Robt. helped found Juxtapose magazine with Craig Stecyk and he’s done covers for Thrasher as well as others. With our Vault series, we like to mine subcultures and this collaboration is an example of this.”

More than 300 people showed up for the launch, including a crossover of fashion-players sporting the latest in rockabilly looks, greaser, Hootenanny-type crowd, as well as skate-inspired, and artists who were clearly there to meet Robt. Williams and see such a large portion of his collection all on display in one area.

Robt. Williams, who is likely pushing 70 now, is well known for his cartoon artistry that blends a cross between pin-up, humans and robots, kitsch, car culture, and a movement known as Low Brow. He was the artist behind the controversial first cover of Guns ‘n Roses “Appetite for Destruction” album that Geffen later had moved to the inside cover, and has inspired many artists who work in a mix of inspiration from film noir-like California Americana, almost cartoon fantasy, such as Mark Ryden.

The limited edition Robt. Williams with Vans collection can be found at select boutiques such Fed Segal, Barney’s, Undftd, and other stores.