This is the first time Vans has released a collection for Black History Month that includes four customizable, limited-edition sneakers and a $ 40,000 donation to the Black Art Futures Fund, which is helping Black Arts charities throughout the world Country are supported. While each of the emerging artists brought on the project – Rewina Beshue, Chris Martin, Sydney G. James, and Tony Whlgn – are close friends and collaborators with the brand, these shoes are their first originals and they are proud to have them with them to share the public. These four artists focus on a variety of mediums (Chris is also a tattoo artist, for example, whose symbols are linked to southern history), but they all aim to enhance the voices of their communities throughout their work.
The artists created their individual patterns individually in their home studios. “We wanted [them] to have the freedom to express themselves without a letter so they can say something personal and meaningful, “said Matthew Even, Creative Director at Vans. Now shoppers can choose their favorite print and apply it to the shoe silhouette they choose this month each artist’s story is revealed at vans.com/blackhistorymonth, although work to support the Black Community does not end in February.
“As a brand founded on the belief that we are a people company, we have always focused on helping our communities. Racial inequality in the US is fueled by systemic racism, and we all have a responsibility to control those systems We pledge to take long-term action because of Black Lives Matter, “even POPSUGAR said, confirming that black-owned small businesses will continue to be in the spotlight on the site through Vans’ Foot the Bill initiative. We spoke to all four shoe designers beforehand, who explained a little more about the inspiration behind their work and shared close-ups of their graphics.
