Vans Black History Month 2021 Collection goes beyond the typical African-American influence or Black Excellent shout outs this year. Outside of highlighting the works of Black artists Rewina Beshue, Chris Martin, Tony Whlgn, and Sydney G. James in all-new Vans Custom designs, Vans pledges a $40,000 donation to the Black Arts Future Fund.
Rewina Beshue x Vans
Multimedia artist Rewina Beshue hails from San Fransisco whose artwork displays lots of optical illusions similar to the design used in her Vans Authentic upper. The washed-out monochromatic patterns wind their way throughout the leather material bond with White stitching. Black hits the laces, tongue, liner, and outsole. Beshue stated “It is important to use my platform to amplify positivity in Black communities through art and creativity.”
Oakland-native Chris Martin creates Black on White or White on Black works of art reflective of The South as well as religious and Japanese depictions in his tattoo-style. His Vans collaboration directly matches his imagery, with a smooth White leather forefoot displaying a Blackbird in flight, free from chains, carrying not an olive branch but cotton in its beak. Grey suede makes up the ankle as Black hits the heel counter. everything sits on top of a gradient Grey outsole.
Chris Martin x Vans
Tony Whlgn x Vans
Visual artist from Detriot Tony Whhlgn is no stranger to Vans. He’s made customs related to the California-based company for quite some time. So his acknowledgment is well deserved. The Black suede upper of his Vans come two-fold with a graphic of Whlgn’s hiding just below the smiling African-style mask and palm leaves. The remainder of the design comes in all Black.
Sydney G. James x Vans
Southeast Michigan artist Sydney G. James has by far the most visually captivating Vans of the collection. Her art, which has been featured on billboards, buildings, and books depicts Black life in rich, vivid imagery. Likewise, with her chosen design for the “OFF THE WALL” company. The forefoot shows a Brown-skinned woman being zipped into a Green camouflage foreground made up of the continent of Africa and the state of Michigan. A brilliant Red peeking out behind her wild, curly Brown hair. James states, “The design is special, because, for me, it goes way beyond a shoe. It brings my life as an artist full circle. As a child artist—like many young artists—and into adulthood, I’ve always drawn and painted on clothes, walls, and shoes. My parents granted me such liberties. And now, as I am soon to become a 42-year-old Black woman, I have created art in all three mediums professionally and my way. There’s something poetic and encouraging in that.”
