# Artist-Designed Sneakers Vans' New Collection Was Designed by 4 Emerging Black Artists By Ell Smith | Published 2021-02-10 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-new-collection1 References: [hypebae](https://hypebae.com/2021/2/vans-black-history-month-bhm-collaboration-slip-on-authentic-sneakers-rewina-beshue-sydney-g-james-where-to-buy) & [vans](https://www.vans.com/blackhistorymonth) [Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-future)' new collection was designed by four emerging Black artists, and will be released this month in celebration of Black History Month. The four selected artists were tasked with reworking a design to adorn two of Vans' most popular silhouettes, the classic [Authentic and the Slip-On](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harajuku-punk). The artists include Rewina Beshue, Sydney G. James, Tony Whlgn, and Christopher Martin. Their works ranges from fine art murals and portraits to multi-media print making, making for a unique range of shoes that boast their own style and personality. In addition to highlighting the work of these artists, Vans has donated $40,000 USD [Black Arts Future Fund](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-3) -- an organization which helps Black youth explore creative and artistic endeavours. Image Credit: Vans ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Artist-designed Footwear:** There is an opportunity for brands to collaborate with emerging artists to create unique and personalized footwear designs. - **Celebration and Awareness Collections:** More brands could release limited edition collections to celebrate important moments or causes, and donate a portion of profits to relevant organizations. - **Diversity and Representation in Fashion:** To cater to a more diverse customer base, brands could work with more underrepresented artists and designers to bring fresh perspectives and innovative designs to their products. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** There is an opportunity for fashion brands to collaborate with emerging artists/designers from diverse communities to create products with unique styles and cultural references. - **Art:** Organizations could partner with fashion brands to support emerging artists by giving them a platform to showcase their works and raise their profile. - **Non-profit and Community Organizations:** There is an opportunity for organizations to team up with fashion brands to raise awareness and support for important causes, while also promoting creativity and diversity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Streetwear Skate Remixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-future.md) - [Artist-Inspired Footwear Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otw-by-vans1.md) - [Surf-Inspired Skate Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yusuke-hanai-2.md) - [Artistic Sneaker Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skechers-x-vexx.md) - [Bold Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sr-studio-la-ca-x-vans.md) - [Textural Update Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zhang-quan-1.md) - [Collab Fashion Trainers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentino-x-vans.md) - [Black Heritage-Inspired Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-joy.md) - [Rider-Collaborated Sneaker Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skate-authentic-high.md)