California Apparel News

Santa Fe Springs, Calif.–based Vans struck a licensing partnership with Playa Vista, Calif., technology-product company Belkin for a new line of mobile-device cases inspired by Vans’ aesthetic.

Vans’ signature branding will appear on Belkin mobile accessories cases for iOS devices, including the iPhone 5 and iPod touch.

“Vans is the action-sports original since 1966, and we’ve created designs for surf, skate and snowboarding since their earliest days,” said Luciano Mor, Vans men’s apparel category director. “Our fans also happen to be technology enthusiasts, so it makes perfect sense to partner with Belkin, a global leader in the mobile accessory space, to create cases that give fans a new way to enjoy our iconic designs.”

Apparel and technology collaborations are becoming more prevalent, fromNike’s Nike + iPod partnership with Apple to Jerry Leigh’s HoodieBuddie and HB3 Technology products, which integrate headphone earbuds into the drawstring of a hooded sweatshirt to last year’s acquisition of Orange County, Calif.–based surf brand Tavik by mobile accessories brand Incipio.

Founded in 1983, Belkin produces mobile accessories and related products, as well as wireless home networking and energy management.