Vans' new collection of shoes features styles inspired by California and surfing culture.
Created in time for the US Open of Surfing, which the skateboard and surf-inspired retail giant appropriately sponsors, the collection has five new shoe designs. There is one slip-on shoe, one 'Old Skool' style, a 'Sk8-Hi' model and two 'Authentics.' Each of these shoes are adorned with either the classic black and white checkers that are one of Vans' signature designs, or images of California palm trees against a multi-hued backdrop that is presumably a sunset.
By creating a shoe line that is inspired by a significant annual event that the company sponsors, Vans' new collection simultaneously adds to the brand's inventory, while also working as a marketing strategy.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Surfing-inspired Shoe Collections
- Brands can develop shoe collections inspired by surfing culture to attract customers interested in this niche lifestyle.
- Event-inspired Product Collections
- Creating product collections aligned with sponsored events can be a successful marketing strategy for companies.
- California-inspired Shoe Designs
- Shoe brands can draw inspiration from California and its iconic imagery to create new and innovative designs.
Where This Applies
- Footwear Industry
- Shoe brands can explore new design themes and collaborations in response to evolving cultural trends.
- Surfing and Skateboarding Industry
- Collaborative efforts between footwear and lifestyle brands can provide new opportunities to develop products for niche markets.
- Marketing and Branding Industry
- Developing product lines aligned with events provides opportunities for brands to reinforce their messaging and reach new customers.
