Vans x Where’s Waldo Collection Launches Globally this January
Costa Mesa, CALIF. (Jan. 4, 2021) – An icon in its own right, Vans uses design collaborations to pay tribute to cultural staples. For over 30 years, the “Where’s Waldo” series has challenged children in the spirit of fun, teaching generations about attention to detail and instilling a love for travel and adventure. Launched in 1987, the iconic illustration book introduces the reader to Waldo, a distinctively dressed adventurer who sets off on a worldwide hike. Vans’ newest collaboration is an homage to the classic series, presenting a wide collection of footwear and apparel for men, women and kids of all ages. The Vans x Where’s Waldo collection will be available worldwide beginning this January.
Dressed in a distinctive red and white striped shirt, beanie and blue jeans, Waldo is an adventurer who is never without his trusty magic walking stick. Traveling to everyday places around the world, Waldo often finds himself joyfully lost amongst the crowds. Readers must scour detailed illustrations to locate the hidden traveler, conceiving the iconic phrase, “Where’s Waldo?” Making an appearance on the Classic Slip-On is the beach scene from Waldo’s first book. The colorful outdoor scene is offset with contrast red piping on the tongue with navy-blue foxing, a color scheme that echoes back to Waldo’s signature outfit of choice. Vans’ classic Authentic receives a Land of Waldos edition which pays homage to Waldo’s hometown, filled with adventures from the first book, “The Great Waldo Search.” Known for being one of the most difficult Waldo hunts of all time, the only way to identify the real Waldo is by finding the one missing a single shoe. This infamous scene is reprinted on the Authentic for Vans and Waldo fans to find and explore!
Vans’ popular Era silhouette features an all-over postage stamp pattern with stamps bearing memorable Where’s Waldo characters. Meanwhile, the Sk8-Hi features Waldo’s arch nemesis, Odlaw, an evil twin of the worldwide traveler who dons a black and yellow color scheme. The Sk8-Hi is transformed into a black and yellow checkerboard pattern on the quarters of each shoe. If fans look closely, hidden among the checks are Waldo and Odlaw on both the adult and kids’ version. International fans will rejoice for the Old Skool with signature red and white stripe uppers that are complimented by a white Sidestripe and a printed midsole with international versions of the renowned series, including France’s “Ou est Charlie?” to Dutch “Waar is Wally?” The Old Skool is finished with question mark-printed laces to complete the motif. Kids who are too busy adventuring to waste time on shoelaces can enjoy the international Old Skool V, equipped with Velcro strap closure.
The iconic beach scene reappears in kids’ apparel on a t-shirt. The blue short-sleeve tee features a large searchable graphic. A bright red snapback hat features a patch that declares “I Found Waldo” above a group shot of the series’ five main characters. Rounding out the kids’ collection are two short sleeve shirts including a red and white stripe tee with Waldo characters printed throughout, along with a hoodie and tee with “I Found Waldo” and “Off The Wall” branding.
Fans of Wizard Whitebeard will want the red and white ringer tee and jockey hat who each have a hidden Waldo surprise! Both Waldo and the wizard pop-up on the Vans x Where’s Waldo Houser woven and shirt. The woven features Wizard Whitebeard peeking out from behind the pocket, while Waldo can be found waving from inside the pocket of the red and white stripe tee.
Adventure seekers can find the Vans x Where’s Waldo collection in Vans retail stores worldwide and online at Vans.com now. For more information, please visit Vans.com/news.
About UNIVERSAL BRAND DEVELOPMENT
Universal Brand Development globally drives expansion of NBCUniversal’s intellectual properties, franchises, characters and stories through innovative physical and digital products, content, and consumer experiences. Along with franchise brand management, Universal Brand Development's core businesses include Consumer Products and Games and Digital Platforms based on the company's extensive portfolio of intellectual properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. Universal Brand Development is part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. www.universalbranddevelopment.com.
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 97 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as Vans Checkerboard Day, Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
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