Vault by Vans and Toronto-based brand and retailer Better™ Gift Shop introduce a new take on two classic Vans silhouettes based on their last collaboration, which launched in 2020. Releasing on Saturday, Oct 8, 2022, the brands reworked the Style 36 VLT and Half Cab VLT, retailing at $160.00 CAD and $180.00 CAD, respectively.
In the latest installment of its Vans partnership, Better™ Gift Shop took inspiration from its very own storefront. The building’s exterior of the Toronto shop (a Forest Green) is featured on the Style 36 VLT, rounded out with a marshmallow midsole. The Burgundy and Pewter seen on the shop’s storefront gates adorn the long-hair suede uppers of the Half Cab VLT, complemented by a black midsole.
The accompanying campaign features the legendary Hong Luck Kung Fu Club, performing traditional Lion Dancing. Established in 1961 as a nonprofit organization, Hong Luck Kung Fu Club has been offering kung fu, martial arts, Lion Dance training, and Lion Dance services for 60+ years, proudly upholding the tradition in the Asian and Canadian communities.
“Community is everything, and we’ve always wanted to design a shoe that takes inspiration from our surroundings,” said the Better™ Gift Shop team. “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.”
The Style 36 VLT comes with grey laces, while the Half Cab VLT is packaged with black laces. Reflective lace options are available in both styles. Better™ Gift Shop branding on the lace tips ensures the minimal design remains uninterrupted. Each pair ships in a custom box that illustrates the brand’s iconic Toronto flagship store.
The shoes will be available at Better™ Gift Shop’s Toronto flagship location, online at https://www.bettergiftshop.com, and select Vault by retailers including DSM and Beams.
more pics after the jump
