Natalie Westling is a well documented Vans Girl through and through. As a Vans ambassador, Natalie has appeared in a number of campaigns for the brand and has even added some “Off The Wall” ink to her forearm.

This season, Vans decided to honor her dedication and give the stand-out model a chance to design her own skate-inspired Sk8-Hi Reissue DX – the proverbial cherry a top her Vans sundae.

Natalie added her own spin to the classic sneakers with a light leather upper and a gorgeous blue sidestripe. Checkerboard print graces the inner lining while a dark gum sole completes the sneak set. Add the “Natalie Skate” logo (that conveniently matches her tattoo) printed on the insole and you have yourself a Natalie original.

“I was so honored to be a part of the Sk8-Hi campaign recently that it only felt right to choose the Sk8-Hi. All in all, I wanted to create a shoe that I could skate in but was also different from all of my other Vans.”

— Natalie Westling

Photographer Christin Rose was tasked with bringing the shoe, and it's designer, to life in a spread that not only incorporated the photographer’s She Plays We Win collective supporting young girls in sports BUT also touched on Westling's own skate history which began at the tender age of three. Thus, the NYC shoot brought forth the young skater girls who posed alongside Westling as an homage to her past and a nod to their future.

Retailing for $100 USD, the Natalie Westling Vans Sk8-Hi is available now in-stores and via Opening Ceremony's online shop. Click below to shop.

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