California-based creative DJ Javier, a visual artist and designer, happily shared on his own page that his collection made it to Vans worldwide.
A Filipino-American visual artist collaborated with a popular shoe company, Vans, to design footwear honoring his Pinoy roots and heritage.
Photo from Instagram @_djjavier
In an Instagram post by Vans, it says: “We partnered with him on a pack of silhouettes that honors his roots and intertwines Filipino symbolism with SoCal culture.”
Photo from Instagram @_djjavier
“SoCal” is short for Southern California, famous for its homegrown surf and skateboard culture. Javier has designed three footwear, namely a slip-on, high sneakers and Vans slides.
As far as people know, Javier can be detailed as he can be. Each design element exhibits his Filipino culture such as the Filipino flag checkerboard, the carabao, the sampaguita, the rice field worker and the “Nipa Hut.”
The high sneakers have the following design notes:
Photo from Instagram @_djjavier
- Filipino water buffalo “carabao” representing the hard work and resilience of Filipinos.
- National flower of the Philippines, the sampaguita flower
- Redesigned Vans checkerboard, “Checkerbayan” utilizing the flag of the Philippines embedded into the artwork.
- Red, yellow, blue, and off-white colors inspired by the Philippines flag.
Meanwhile, these are the notes with the slip-on:
Photo from Instagram @_djjavier
- Filipino warrior and rice farm worker skull motifs on the upper.
- “Mabuhay” Tagolog saying for “long live!” (Used as a greeting or to express good wishes).
- Redesigned Vans checkerboard, “Checkerbayan” utilizing the flag of the Philippines embedded into the artwork.
- Red, yellow, blue, and off-white colors inspired by the Philippines flag.
Anywhere in this universe, may it be in the sense of talent and different kinds of art—the Filipino craft lingers just around the world successfully.
Photo from Instagram @_djjavier
“This project represents Filipino culture, identity, and Filipino people. It represents the immigrant story.” Javier wrote on one of his Instagram post.
“The first image featured here is my dad, Liberato Javier, and myself. He immigrated here with my mom from the Philippines in the early 80’s, leaving everything behind to go to an unfamiliar place to hopefully give his family a better future.” he added.
Photo from Instagram @_djjavier
My dad is now my biggest fan and supporter, and am honored to tell our story and hopefully encourage the many Filipino’s, Asian Americans, and first-generation immigrants who share this same story.” Javier mentioned.
