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Led Zeppelin, Vans Collaborate on Commemorative Swag

A new collection of classic rock-themed apparel and accessories is sure to get a whole lotta love.

Led Zeppelin and Vans have announced an official partnership, under which Vans will release officially licensed Led merchandise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the band’s eponymously-titled first album.

Two pairs of shoes, including Vans’ Sk8-Hi style, as well as a long-sleeve T-shirt and a baseball cap that feature the famous album cover art, the band’s rune-like symbols and the Vans tagline "Off the Wall," will be available starting February 22 at select Vans stores and the official Led Zeppelin e-commerce store.

The Sk8-Hi features the album cover art, a still of the Hindenburg airship crash in 1937, as well as the band’s symbols embossed on the side of the sole. The low-top style is black with a step-and-repeat pattern of the band’s symbols. Both come in commemorative shoeboxes.

Last month, Led Zeppelin announced they were also collaborating with Burton to create a limited edition “Misty Mountain Hop” snowboard:

Famous musical groups continue to hold a special place in fans’ hearts, and marketing teams have been tapping into nostalgia -- as well as a resurgence in popularity among the younger set -- with myriad merchandise collaborations. Def Leppard recently partnered with Seattle-based Elysian Brewing to create Def Leppard Pale, while the Minnesota Twins baseball team worked with Prince’s estate to offer Prince-themed merchandise to fans of the late artist, a Minneapolis native.

Meanwhile, *NSYNC had two merchandise capsule collections in 2018 that targeted Millennials. And the Spice Girls also offered T-shirts for gender justice last month, though that turned into a cautionary tale for companies that source garments from overseas.