Vault by Vans and Joe Freshgoods reunite to present “Chocolate Valley Resort” – the concept of a place based on a moment of time. It is a collection of footwear, apparel and accessories, created as an ode to travel and leisure from the Black experience, visualized through history and community.
“Chocolate Valley Resort is inspired by my love for travel and research. For this collection I wanted to create something that aligns with the rich history of Vault by Vans, but from a new perspective. Chocolate Valley Resort marries the history of Black travel and leisure with winter-ready pieces that blend playfulness and functionality”, said Joe Freshgoods Robinson.
Combining his design prowess, affinity for historical references and personal experience with Midwest winters, Joe Freshgoods designed a collection of head to toe footwear and apparel essentials that are ready for winter and beyond. Captured by documentarian Yashaddai Owens featuring Barrington Darius, the accompanying lookbook set in the 1950s, tells the story of a Black writer exploring “Chocolate Valley Resort” seeking the space to reset, relax and reconnect. The collection and lookbook are an homage to history and Black writers such as James Baldwin and Audre Lorde who traveled abroad to escape racism in America and to build their literary careers. The winterized resort serves as a safe space to foster creativity and community right at home.
The full range re-envisions workwear with modern silhouettes and bright colors while keeping movement and creativity in mind. The Resort Puffer is designed in soft buttercream with elongated sleeves for a relaxed look and easy layering. The Chocolate Cardigan is crafted from faux mohair with coral almond jacquard stripes and “Chocolate Valley Resort” chain stitched on the back and JFG embroidery on the sleeve hem.
Pairing quality and simplicity, the Cabin Tee is a premium antique white jersey knit cut from 100% cotton. The heavyweight tee favors comfortability with a tagless collar and is packaged in a custom Chocolate Valley Resort bag. The Resort Uniform Cargo blends structure and playfulness for a modern workwear look featuring an adjustable waist, open wide leg and four cargo pockets. Oversized and constructed from nylon, the Logo Puffer tote is travel, everyday, and all weather. Contrasting almond and cream colors and an enlarged “J” offset the traditional shape. This roomy nylon bag features a top zipper and inner pocket. Finally, the Resort Mask is everything you need for winter, doubling as a warm beanie and balaclava made to cut the cold.
The Vault by Vans x Joe Freshgoods footwear lineup reimagines the Sk8-Hi Reissue Platform VLT LX with quilted uppers inspired by the padded puffer, juxtaposed by hairy suede panels to present a coral almond and camel colored two-tone contrast. Both colorways are finished with a signature platform outsole that lends a retro feel to the look. The Slip-Hiker LX is refreshed with a coral almond two-tone quilted nylon upper and panels. Outfitted with an all-weather MTE outsole for ultimate grip and contrasting almond and green accents, this winter ready silhouette is a must-have for your excursion.
The Vault by Vans x Joe Freshgoods “Chocolate Valley Resort” collection will be available January 21 at JoeFreshgoods.com and Every Now & Then retail location (1008 W. Lake, Unit 2, Chicago, IL 60607) followed by a release at select Vault by Vans retailers globally and on Vans.com.
