xVESSEL
xVESSEL is a sneaker and streetwear label led by Van Ness Wu that debuted in 2018 at INNERSECT in Shanghai. It is known for deconstructed footwear such as the G.O.P. LOW with its reassembled outsole.
| Debut | 2018, INNERSECT Shanghai |
|---|---|
| Co-founder | Van Ness Wu |
| Signature model | G.O.P. LOW |
| Collaborations | Yohji Yamamoto, Mercedes AMG, HBX |
| Website | xvessel.com |
What is xVESSEL?
xVESSEL is a footwear focused streetwear label co-founded by Van Ness Wu, whose involvement in streetwear dates back to the early 2000s with Triumvir, and a partner named Leo. The brand debuted in 2018 at INNERSECT, the streetwear convention in Shanghai.
Products and positioning
xVESSEL launched with softgoods, but footwear quickly became its core. Its design language is built on deconstructed and reconstructed uppers and distorted outsoles, aiming to create something new while drawing on the shoes of the founders' youth.
- G.O.P. LOW, with a hybrid vulcanised and cork construction
- G.O.P. 2.0 Marshmallow
- G.O.P. Slip On
Collaborations
The label has worked with Yohji Yamamoto on a 2020 collection, created a shoe with Mercedes AMG and released a two tone denim G.O.P. LOW with HBX.
Distribution
xVESSEL sells through its own channels and through streetwear retailers such as HBX. Its early popularity brought a wave of resale and counterfeit products, which led to legal disputes.
Why it matters
xVESSEL is one of the sneaker labels that emerged from China's streetwear scene and gained international collaborators within a few years.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded xVESSEL?
xVESSEL was co-founded by Van Ness Wu with a partner named Leo and debuted in 2018.
What is xVESSEL known for?
xVESSEL is known for deconstructed sneakers, especially the G.O.P. LOW with its reassembled outsole.