Vans x Kids of Immigrants: A Collection with A Message
Image: Vans
For Los Angeles-based brand Kids of Immigrants (KOI) their focus has been to celebrate the working class, the immigrant community, and other historically marginalized groups since their inception in 2016. Now, they’re translating their message to footwear through a collaborative effort with Vans. As the first half of LatinX Heritage Month comes to close, a collection like this only seems fitting.
The Vans x Kids of Immigrants “Work A Day In Our Shoes” campaign features the actual family members of each KOI member and asks them to answer a simple yet complex question: Why do you work so hard? Although every answer is different, family is always at the center and speaks to its importance within the immigrant community. The sneaker of the campaign, the Lowland CC, was inspired by the father of founder Daniel Buezo who has been a longtime construction worker. The upper is composes of an off white canvas material covered in paint strokes. Each shoe has been modified and distressed by the hands of KOI members and each pair will be accompanied by a brush and sandpaper that allows you to customize your pair to your liking. However, the details don’t stop there. Each box includes a very important message that reads “We are all cut from different fabrics but together make a whole. This is for our family and all Kids Of Immigrants.”
Kids Of Immigrants also released an accompanying apparel collection inspired by the working class and includes phrases such as “This is for our family” printed on some of the pieces to emphasize the importance of family and community. Puff paint details and vintage washed details throughout the collection are inspired by those who work hard labor jobs and construction workers. Some standout items include a cream reversible tee and vintage washed crewnecks with a painter illustrated on the back.
Being first generation I have seen first hand how the immigrant community is both vibrant and resilient. This collection is a reminder that we must continue to use our voices to uplift those who have been silenced and to inspire generations to come. As if we needed another reason to support the Vans x Kids Of Immigrants “Work A Day In Our Shoes” campaign, Vans will be donating $5,000 USD to A New Way of Life, a non-profit that provides support for women rebuilding their lives after prison. Kids of Immigrants will be partnering with A New Way of Life to build a community garden at the new home in Los Angeles that currently hosts 8 women. The Vans x Kids Of Immigrants Lowland CC will be dropping on 10/2 for $100 USD via the Greenhouse App, Footlocker, and Kids of Immigrants online webstore. The accompanying apparel collection is available now via our SHOP THE COLLECTION button below with prices ranging from $40 to $150 USD depending on silhouette.