Images: Vans
Vans and Joe Freshgoods are back with another collaboration that comes with a much needed history lesson. “Chocolate Valley Resort is inspired by my love for travel and research. For this collection I wanted to create something that aligns with the rich history of Vault by Vans, but from a new perspective. Chocolate Valley Resort marries the history of Black travel and leisure with winter-ready pieces that blend playfulness and functionality”, said Joe Freshgoods in a press release with Vans.
The collection and lookbook serve as homage to the history and Black writers like James Baldwin and Audre Lorde who traveled abroad to escape racism in America and to build their literary careers.
Let's talk about the footwear, shall we? The footwear in the collection consists of the Sk8-Hi Reissue Platform VLT LX and the Slip-Hiker LX. The Sk8-Hi Reissue Platform VLT LX features a quilted upper taking inspiration from a padded puffer but also features suede panels. The sneaker is finished with a platform outsole and will debut in two colorways.
Next up, we have the Slip-Hiker LX that looks winter ready. It features a quilted nylon upper and panels with the all-weather MTE outsole with almond and greene accents.
“It’s always a goal of mine to use shades of pink in all of my collections—it’s the first color that inspired my design language many years ago. Since the collection is based around cold weather, I wanted to create a full range of items that would work especially for those Midwest winters. And to really lean into winter travel we infused a “quilted” design pattern across many of the pieces.”
The buttercream colorway of the Slip-Hiker LX will be available exclusively at JoeFreshgoods.com and “Every Now & Then” Retail location. Each pair of footwear includes a custom designed resort keychain and slide box.
“Chocolate Valley Resort is inspired by my love for travel and research. For this collection I wanted to create something that aligns with the rich history of Vault by Vans, but from a new perspective. Chocolate Valley Resort marries the history of Black travel and leisure with winter-ready pieces that blend playfulness and functionality.”
We love when the designers give us apparel to wear with the footwear, it just feels right. The collection will include the Resort Puffer in the 'buttercream' shade with elongates sleeves, next we have the "Chocolate Cardigan" (a fave) with faux mohair with coral and almond stripes. The cardigan also features "Chocolate Valley Resort" chain stiched on the back and JFG embroidery on the sleeve.
There's also the 'Cabin Tee', that comes packages in a custom Chocolate Vallery Resort bag and the collection includes a pair of the 'Resort Uniform Cargo' pants. And no collection is complete without accessories!
The 'Logo Puffer Tote' will be perfect for all your travel and everyday shenanigas. And one of my personal favorites is the 'Resort Mask' the work speaks for itself!
The Vault by Vans x Joe Freshgoods collection will be available to shop on January 21 at Every Now & Then, a retail and resource company and on JoeFreshgoods.com, followed by a release at select Vault by Vans retailers globally and on Vans.com.
