Jovani Hernandez Toronto’s Better™ Gift Shop is all about community. In addition to the work it’s already done to celebrate its neighbors, the retailer and brand has recently teamed up with Vans on a Style 36 VLT and Half Cab VLT duo releasing on Saturday, October 8th.
The follow-up capsule to the two brands’ last collaboration in 2020 indulges in local inspiration. The Style 36 VLT takes on a similar “Forest Green” to the Canadian boutique’s own storefront. By comparison, the accompanying take on Steven Caballero’s iconic Half Cab looks to the Hong Luck Kung Fu Club for a “Burgundy” and “Pewter” color arrangement. Better™ Gift Shop’s design choice honors a Toronto institution, which has been providing kung fu, martial arts, Lion Dance training and Lion Dance services since 1961 as a non-profit.
“Community is everything, and we’ve always wanted to design a shoe that takes inspiration from our surroundings,” said the Better™ Gift Shop team in an official press release. “Working with our neighbors is something we’ve always wanted to do, and Vans gave us that opportunity. Incorporating the Hong Luck Kung Fu Club was a natural integration into the campaign.”
Enjoy campaign imagery of the duo ahead, and anticipate an in-store release at Better™ Gift Shop’s Toronto flagship location, online at bettergiftshop.com, and select Vault by Vans retailers including Dover Street Market and Beams.
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