A Closer Look: Bodega x Vault by Vans "Mid-Top Modern"
When you think of the phrase Mid-Century Modern, beyond the insane estate sale-ers and newfound meme-ability (shoutout Herman Wakefield) at its core, “MCM” as its affectionally and cynically referred remains an influential constant in the world of furniture, architecture, and design.
That’s right, those weird materials, odds shapes, and tiny legs? That whole aesthetic would go on to inspire designs to this very day. Perhaps the most mainstream example of form and function converging in everyday life, relics from this period had a stylish look while maintaining the craftsmanship to back it up.
So sure, your house could have been a Frank Lloyd Wright, but it still had to endure the revolving door of everyday life, from kids, their unhinged friends, and whatever 'indoor baseball' means to World Championship of Couch Surfing extended family who you call uncle but aren't exactly sure why.
And yes, that’s a sick Eames but it was an even better step ladder when the fire alarm went off, moonlighting as the premiere loading dock for your ‘sort of clean clothing pile’ while off duty. Point is this stuff was made like art but endured everyday life. And coming out the other end it is still celebrated today by collectors, museums, and random mood boards, scratches, scuffs, and all.
With the Bodega x Vault by Vans Chukka Mid-Top Modern Chukka Pack we renovated a Vans classic with inherent curb appeal, dressing it up to honor a movement of the past with a lasting influence in the creative world.
Inspired by the Authentic, the Chukka Mid takes the carefree, sleek style of its predecessor and tacks on a second story to help with ankle support while on the skateboard or board of directors. As a result, they take on this boot-like status untouchable by other high-top sneakers thanks to its minimal construction often seen in leather or rough-out suede – hence the name “Chukka”.
Set up as a duplex, the MTM Pack works in harmony, pulling together textures and tones from the period, but exists as complete inverses.
Unit 1 features a Terra Cotta suede upper fitted with Gingerbread canvas trim. With few panels to interrupt from the overall silhouette, the texture works as the perfect mantelpiece while a Black Rubber Sole with Pistachio Green Striping holds things down. Not only working as a semi-formal option with understated branding and a classic shape, it’s clear the uppers and vulcanized rubber can take a beating, with the leather only getting more supple with wear.
Right on cue, Unit 2 answers the doorbell and flips the script with a Pistachio canvas upper with Terra Trim. Standing on a gum sole foundation featuring a Caramel Stripe, this model is inherently meant to wear hard, with the upper sure to break in overtime, but thanks to the refined colorway, maybe you won’t have to take them off when you step inside the dinner party. Just remember the soup spoon goes on the right side of the soup bowl.
Amenities included in both pairs are porous mesh tongues – the first of their kind on this model, rope lace closures with metal aglets, and aged metal eyelets with tortoise shell variants on the last rungs. Contrasting heel plates in Golden Yellow help you sign on the dotted line. Fully furnished and move-in ready.
Release Info: Friday. April 14, 2023
Available online at 12pm EST and in-store at both our Boston and Los Angeles locations on a first come, first served basis.
