VF CORPORATION Cypress, CALIF. (Jan. 14, 2016) - Vans is proud to partner with acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, visionaries of several popular Los Angeles-area restaurants, to release a six-piece assortment of footwear designed with the professional kitchen environment in mind. Made specifically for Shook and Dotolo's Jon & Vinny's, animal and Son of a Gun restaurants located in LA's iconic Fairfax neighborhood, the line- up includes special colorways of the Vans Authentic, Classic Slip- On, Old Skool and Sk8-Hi Reissue. Since its inception in 1966, Vans has been the sneaker of choice for those most inspired by creative self-expression, from skateboarders and surfers to artists and musicians, over the past 50 years. Now the iconic youth culture brand is expanding its family to include the kindred spirits who create in the kitchen: chefs.
To honor this unique art form and the skilled individuals who pursue it, Vans first launched the kitchen shoe program in 2014. By working closely with chefs and kitchen staffs that already embrace the brand, Vans upgrades its Classics silhouettes to address the needs of the professional kitchen and enables these culinary creators to put their best foot forward in their creative environment. In 2016, Vans presents the next installment of the kitchen shoe program in collaboration with Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, both of whom have worn Vans their entire lives, to celebrate three of their coveted properties.
"Jon and Vinny embody Vans' core values: they are dedicated to creative expression through their culinary craftsmanship, live the DIY ethos and are lifelong supporters of the brand," said Doug Palladini, vice president and general manager of North America, Vans. "I could not have asked for a better partnership as we look to meet the needs of kitchen staffs around the world."
Embellished with colors and artwork from their corresponding establishments, Vans footwear styles designed for Jon & Vinny's, animal and Son of a Gun are built with specially coated water- and-dirt-resistant canvas uppers and enhanced footbeds, making them better suited for demanding kitchen settings. Durable water- resistant coating allows liquids to slide off shoe surfaces while upgraded cushioning provides arch support during long periods of standing. Each restaurant showcases the Vans form in two special make-ups; Jon & Vinny's transfers their signature green and white tones onto the Authentic and Sk8-Hi Reissue while animal presents its monochromatic aesthetic in an all-black sneaker set and the nautically-inspired Son of a Gun rounds out the assortment with sea blue executions of the Classic Slip-On and Old Skool.
"This project is a dream come true; both Vin and I grew up wearing and loving Vans," said Jon Shook. "And now there are Vans made for the kitchen? We are truly stoked."
Vans footwear styles designed for Jon & Vinny's, animal and Son of a Gun will be worn by Jon, Vinny and staff members at their respective locations on Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street in Los Angeles. Vans is honored to collaborate with such high-caliber artisans for the next iteration of the kitchen shoe program and looks forward to further addressing the footwear needs of this unique creative community in future projects. Look for updates on Vans' kitchen shoe program on www.vans.com and learn more about Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo and their line of restaurants at www.jonandvinnys.com.
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans authentic collections are sold globally in more than 75 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans also owns and operates more than 450 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool
Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour®, and Vans' cultural hub and international music venue, the House of Vans.
Vans, "Off the Wall" Since '66
VF Corporation issued this content on 2016-01-14 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 2016-01-25 09:28:08 UTC
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