Pride month easily has some of the most gorgeous collections on display. Knowing the message behind them, inclusion, representation and really just love, is what makes them even more stunning. The rainbow flag representing the LGBTQ+ community through these collections allow for people to wear their pride on their sleeves, or walk with pride powerfully.
The reimagining of the rainbow spectrum seems to get more creative each year, as designers get bolder and story-telling becomes intertwined with the designs. This year, two of Cape Town’s most beloved shoe brands, Vans and Converse, are showing Capetonians and South Africans how to walk with pride, in style.
Converse
Converse has released their sixth annual pride collection, ‘Converse Pride.’
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The 2021 collection includes the iconic Chuck Taylor All-Star, Chuck 70 and Run Star Hike sneakers.
Seeing the rainbow dance across the footgear, or imagined with geometric flower curated art makes these shoes some of the best creative crops this year. They’re available in Hi-rise, Lo-rise, and platform styles.
What’s also amazing about this collection is that it is “inspired by stories from five LGBTQIA+ All Stars” (The All Stars refer to younger fans of the brand who are also a part of the LGBTQIA+ community). Essentially Converse has imagined their stories into footgear!
Additionally, the ‘Pride By You’ collection sees Converse team up with the It Gets Better Project, a project that aims to “uplift, empower and connect LBGTQ+ youth around the globe.”
Vans
Vans is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and creative self-expression with the ‘Vans Pride Collection, emulating the message “Together as Ourselves.”
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The collection sees minimalist rainbow embroidery and platform geometrics. Walking with pride, short and simple but still gorgeous.
Additionally, to commemorate Pride 2021, Vans is donating a total of $200k USD (roughly 2.6 million rand) to four organisations from around the world to support and uplift their personal stories and mission, as per a Vans statement on Instagram.
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Picture: Converse