This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Right before 2022 ended we got to see a first look at a new snow boot coming from Joe Freshgoods, which we now know belongs to his Vault by Vans “Chocolate Valley Resort” Collection. Inspired by stories of the Black travel experience in America, Joe Freshgoods delivers a series of clothing and shoes that incorporate themes of travel and leisure, with Black travelers struggling to find welcoming and inclusive spaces early on.
For the collection, Joe imagined his own inclusive luxury retreat — Chocolate Valley Resort. The snowy utopia ia a log-cabin getaway reminiscent of the Midwestern winters Joe experienced growing up.
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.
Joe Freshgoods
The Chicago-based designer brings the resort to life in the collection’s lookbook, which features musician Barrington Darius posed as a 1950’s writer snowed-in at the resort. The campaign serves as an homage to the history and work of Black writers like James Baldwin and Audre Lorde, who famously traveled abroad as they established their careers.
As always, Joe Freshgoods brings his signature color pallette to Vans as the sneakers and apparel are offered in shades of Pink and Orange. The collection’s footwear includes two colorways of the Vans Sk8-Hi Reissue Platform VLT LX in “Coral Almond” and “Camel.” As for the snow boot that was previewed in December, the Vans Slip-Hiker LX comes in three colorways, all of which feature a quilted nylon style upper with an all-weather MTE outsole to combat the cold winter weather.
The collection is complete with a Chocolate Valley Resort puffer in “Soft Buttercream” and a cardigan made with faux mohair and “Coral” jacquard stripes. Other offerings include a classic tee, ski-mask, cargo pants, and more.
The Vault by Vans x Joe Freshgoods “Chocolate Valley Resort” Collection drops on January 21, 2023. You can shop the collection at JoeFreshgoods.com and Every Now & Then retail location, as well as Vans.com and select Vault by Vans retailers globally. Take a look at the collection below and follow @NiceDrops on Instagram.
