Vans’ mission is to inspire and enable creative expression, and that cannot happen without free expression for everyone. To celebrate Pride 2022, Vans empowered three artists in the LGBTQ+ community to create a collection of footwear and apparel that showcases their experiences, individuality, and vision for a more inclusive world. Born in a small town around Bologna’s countryside in Italy, Sara Lorusso grew up fascinated by nature and the creatures that populated it. This knack for observation developed into a passion for photography, and a particular interest in how we can rediscover ourselves beyond society’s norms. Spreading a message of inclusion over objectification, Sara’s OTW Gallery Classic Slip-On tweaks the familiar look of a lipstick print by juxtaposing the design with an important reminder at the sidewall: love can save us. Hidden details inside the shoe further elevate the idea that love is love, beautiful in all its forms. In celebration of Pride, Vans is donating a total of $200,000 from the Checkerboard Fund at Tides Foundation to three organizations committed to advocating for and providing the space, access, and community needed to uplift the voices of the LBGTQ+ community. One of these organizations that we are proud to support is the Tegan and Sara Foundation. With a donation of $100,000, Vans will support camperships for over 20 LGBTQ+ summer camps in the US and Canada. In addition, this donation will support the Trans Youth Community Grants program to distribute needed funds for local, grassroots organizations supporting trans youth.
