Together As Ourselves. 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.

A cartoonist, co-founder of Queer Reads Library, and cultural worker in Hong Kong, Kaitlin Chan’s artwork tells stories about quiet moments, friendship, and the rhythms of daily life. For Kaitlin, community means keeping an open heart and mind as we engage with people who have both similar and different struggles and experiences, recognizing that we often hold shared dreams for the future.

Her OTW Gallery Authentic is inspired by this vision of a more equitable, and less exploitative, future. Along with custom artwork and rubberized prints celebrating the magic of chosen family, this classic low top shoe is finished with canvas uppers, metal eyelets and signature rubber waffle outsoles.