Several brands have presented the latest collections, despite being in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Vans has implemented this step by launching a new collection of shoe products. This collection was released by Vans in collaboration with Leica and Ray Barbee.

The collaboration presents a collection called 'Capturing the Journey,' taking inspiration from Barbee's career journey, which started as a skateboarder and now becomes an artist. This collaboration features some apparel and footwear lineups, including with Leica.

 

 

 

 

 

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Leica is a camera company that originates from Germany and is known for its quality among photographers worldwide. The models have become iconic products beyond the boundaries of the world of photography thanks to their use by influential people of all times and resulting in recognizable photographs.

Leica itself has launched the Leica D-Lux 7 Vans x Ray Barbee camera, available in limited quantities. The camera is designed with a typical Vans checkerboard pattern with the addition of Ray Barbee's signature sculpture on the plate at the top.

In addition, the unique bag present in this edition has Ray Barbee's quote "The joy is in capturing the journey" on the side. In addition, on the other hand, there is a quote from Erns Leitz II who presented the Leica 1 in 1924, namely "Ich enstscheide hiermit, Es wird riskiert" which means "I hereby decide: it will be risked." The dust bag is petrol green in color, the same as the camera strap, which perfectly fits the camera body's black and white design.

“Sometimes I want the viewers to see what I saw, but more importantly, I want them to see what I didn't see in my own image. There's a lot of beauty in appreciating different perspectives," said Barbee.

 

 

 

 

 

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Regarding camera specifications, the Leica D-Lux 7 special edition is no different from the standard version. Leica uses a 4/3 sensor with the choice of the Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34 f/1.7-2.8 ASPH lens, 35 mm equivalent focal length of 24-75 mm.

Barbee is a skateboarder from the United States who also has talent in music and photography. Barbee from San Jose, California, started skateboarding in 1984 when she was still in school. He later became one of the iconic figures in the skateboarding world. Barbee has developed a different approach to photography and has continued to create a distinctive style over the last 10 years.

The approach used by Barbee is to capture the moment with a black and white film process. Her work feels honest and straightforward, like Barbee's attitude to those around her.

Barbee revealed that she has always admired artists and painters when choosing the black and white approach. But he couldn't do what both of them did. Photographing black and white and printing it in a dark room made him feel close to the experience of being an artist or painter by drawing light.

“Also, I really appreciate the freedom that black and white gives me. The very nature of it is abstract because we don't see it in black and white. So there are very few preconceived ideas about what things should look like. You can only say you don't like the print, but you can't say it's wrong. Unlike color, where if the skin tone is weird, you'll know it's wrong.” said Barbie.

Based on information circulating, the Vault by Vans x Leica x Ray Barbee collection 'Capturing the Journey' was launched on November 19, 2021, online and is present at several Vault By Vans retailers. However, they do not provide information about the price of this collection.

In addition to this camera, Vans also presents a unique edition T-shirt and shoes with checkerboard lining, quotes by Barbee and Leitz II, and Leica's signature red shoelace. Ray Barbee's significant influence in the 90s and 2000s served as the primary reference for the color palettes for the Authentic, Slip-On, Old Skool, and SK8-Hi lines launched in the collection.

There is no price information to get this special edition camera.