Kids of Immigrants, a brand founded by Daniel Buezo and Weleh Dennis, first generation Americans, seamlessly transitioned into a movement that recognizes that we’re all “cut from different fabrics but together make a whole.” Their motto, “For The People,” has rung especially true these past couple of years.

Now with the release of their first collaboration with Vans, the two brands came together to create the “Work A Day In Our Shoes” campaign. The design of the shoe is simple, with a palette inspired by Buezo’s father, who’s a longtime construction worker, but most importantly, the shoe serves as a collaborative canvas that is up for customization. 

Each pair of Lowland CC’s have been hand-distressed by the Kids of Immigrants duo and team, and is accompanied with sandpaper and a paintbrush, allowing anyone to customize the shoes as they want and become a part of the movement.

In a press release published on September 23, 2020, the collaborators announced: “The campaign features the actual family members of each KOI member as role models, shining a light on our everyday heroes that have long been left in the shadows and have now become the world’s heroes during the pandemic.”

In celebration of the partnership, Vans has made a vow to donate $5,000 USD to A New Way of Life, a non-profit that supports women in rebuilding their lives after being released from prison. Additionally, Kids of Immigrants will be partnering with A New Way of Life to build a community garden in Los Angeles at a new home that currently hosts eight women.

The shoe released last week on October 2 and instantly sold out through Greenhouse App and the KOI website.

Photos via Kids of Immigrants