The Head-to-Toe Collection is an Homage to the Artist’s Childhood and Culture
Vault by Vans welcomes Nigeran-American artist Ade Okuboyejo to the family with a new collaboration inspired by Ade’s childhood growing up in Ikoyi, Lagos. Dobale, the brainchild of Ade, derives for the Yorùbá language and simply translates to “respect”. The “Forever Sunny in Ikoyi” collection pays homage to Ade’s happy childhood growing up in Ikoyi, Lagos. From outdoor activities like playing soccer, to bonding with family over local foods, the remembrance of a time with no worldly responsibilities is one of Ade’s fondest memories. The Vault by Vans x Dobale collection is where artistic expression is celebrated at the highest form through color, silhouette, prints and details to tell an authentic story about Ade’s motherland. Layer by layer, each piece allows Ade to share his happiness with the world. The Vault by Vans x Doable collection will be available beginning February 12 at select Vault by Vans dealers.
“Authenticity is how I best express myself. From my personal style to the things, I create; each piece is a true extension of myself,” said Ade. “This collection is not only my personal story, but the fruition of a vision that I am lucky enough to share with the world. This is the true epitome of aspiration.”
In this colorful collection, Ade’s designs are full of cheer and optimism. The color palette is derived from the sunny disposition of his home country, along with colors inspired by the rich foods, surrounding land and the Lagos State Flag. Leading the footwear assortment is the Bold NI that features a tri-tone makeup using vintage suede, pigskin and 10 oz. drill canvas uppers and is finished with a custom sidewall print along with a green Vault by Vans heel scab. The Slip-On VLT LX showcases a black pig suede upper that is decorated with colorful suede binding details along with a hand-drawn sun graphic. Completing the three-piece footwear lineup is the Era VLT LX that includes a custom printed canvas upper inspired by a customary Yorùbá dish, Efo that is made with vegetables and rich spices. All of the Vault by Vans x Dobale footwear styles are built with UltraCush™ footbeds and are finished with custom checker foxing stripes that merge Vans’ heritage with Ikoyi street curbs.
Complementing the footwear collection is an eight-piece apparel assortment that is carefully crafted with bright colors, and graphic elements inspired by African hand-painted signs and local iconography. The Vault x Dobale Satin Flight Jacket uses graphics and typography that instantly transport you back to Lagos with hand-painted illustrations, all done by Okuboyejo himself. The Vault x Dobale Trackpants, with Vans’ signature checkerboard pattern pair seamlessly with every top in the collection. Matching back to the Era VLT LX are the Vault x Dobale Efo Woven shirt and reversible bucket hat that each utilize the custom-made watercolor camo print. The Ikoyi Love Hoodie brings yet another memory of childhood and uses a bright Buka Umbrella graphic that serves as one of Dobale’s signature components and is inspired by African kiosk umbrellas that sell local street foods. The collection is complete with the mineral shirt and tote that bring memories of playing outside in the sun and drinking soda-pop together through printed graphics.
The Vault by Vans x Dobale “Forever Sunny in Ikoyi” Collection will be available beginning February 12, 2022 at select Vault by Vans retailers. For more information and where to purchase, please visit The Drop List, a calendar of Vans’ most exclusive product drops.
ABOUT VAULT BY VANS
Vault by Vans offers a diverse line-up of elevated and premium collections
representing the intersection of fashion, art, and music — featuring the brand’s most iconic silhouettes.
Each season, the category presents designs and collaborations with partners who represent pinnacle creative culture, offered in select retailers only.
