Boston: NBA star Jaylen Brown teams with Vanson Leathers to launch a new line of leather jackets, celebrating the brand’s 50-year legacy of craftsmanship while embracing modern fashion ideals. The collaboration highlights Vanson’s significance in the fashion industry and its appeal across generations.
Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics star known for his impactful performances on the court, is also making waves in the fashion arena with a collaboration that entwines heritage and modernity. Teaming up with Vanson Leathers, a brand celebrating its 50th anniversary, Brown is set to launch a new line of leather jackets that honour the craftsmanship and legacy of the iconic American leather manufacturer.
Vanson Leathers, rooted in a rich history of American craftsmanship, has become synonymous with high-quality leather apparel, attracting the attention of numerous high-profile figures in sports and entertainment. Notably, LeBron James donned a custom leather jacket, courtesy of the collaboration between luxury brand Aimé Leon Dore and Vanson Leathers, during a significant moment in his career where he reached the 40,000-point milestone at Crypto.com Arena. Meanwhile, celebrity Kim Kardashian showcased Vanson’s distinctive style, appearing in Split Pants from Supreme x Yohji Yamamoto at her children’s basketball game, highlighting Vanson’s global recognition.
“This year marks a significant milestone for Vanson as we celebrate half a century of dedicated craftsmanship,” said Mike van der Sleesen, founder of the brand. He emphasised the importance of establishing a brand identity with consistent core values, indicating, “The main thing is that you have to establish a brand, and then you have to establish the brand with consistent DNA.” This approach has allowed Vanson to maintain its relevance amid the fast-paced turnover typical in today’s fashion industry.
The brand’s origin story traces back to Boston’s South End, where Mike and his wife, Kim van der Sleesen, launched Vanson with minimal knowledge about the industry. “We really didn’t know anything, and we knew so little, we thought it was easy,” Mike recalls, describing the company’s humble beginnings in a converted loft. In 1987, Vanson relocated to Fall River, a move during what Mike called “the Massachusetts miracle,” driven by practical considerations of taxes and available workforce.
Over the decades, Vanson has cultivated a reputation for producing not only racing apparel but also garments that resonate across various cultures and generations. Notable figures including Steve McQueen, punk icon Joey Ramone, and contemporary artists like Alicia Keys and Usher have all donned Vanson pieces, solidifying its status as a timeless brand. Kim noted, “More often than not, they purchase that themselves and we don’t even know about it,” reflecting on the brand’s understated appeal.
The company’s story also intertwines with the emerging talent of other fashion creators. One such collaboration is with Nan James of Madrugada, whose journey began with hat-making on her porch in Boston in 2016. Seeking to merge her vision with Vanson’s craftsmanship, James was inspired after visiting the factory, which confirmed her belief in handcrafted artistry. “When I went to Vanson and saw everybody literally doing everything by hand, my mind automatically went into producer mode,” she explained. Her unique pieces, such as a star jacket emblazoned with her childhood home logo, have garnered a following that spans different cities and even countries.
Vanson’s adherence to traditional craftsmanship, coupled with commitment to innovation—having acquired multiple patents for features in racing suits—reflects its dual focus on legacy and modernity. The company prides itself on promoting a reconditioning service, allowing customers to restore garments from decades prior, which reinforces the idea of acquiring not just clothing, but heirlooms. “If you look on eBay,” Mike pointed out, “quite a few are selling for a hell of a lot more than anyone else’s new ones,” echoing the brand’s growing value in today’s market.
As it marches into the future, Vanson remains optimistic about its continued evolution. Mike believes that the demand for special, high-quality items will only increase, stating, “The challenge ahead of us is to become better at what we do than ever.” Following a path shaped by quality, resilience, and a deep connection to both community and craftsmanship, the van der Sleesens aim not only to survive but to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
