There is something so inherently feminine and timeless about accessorizing an accessory. In a post-pandemic society, the pendulum has swung from minimalism to maximalism, arguably a reaction from feeling isolated and restricted in the early 2020’s. Over the past year we’ve witnessed a resurgence in loud, expressive fashion and particularly in accessories. Bag charms never really went away per se, but have gained much more popularity in the wake of everyone “healing their inner child”. The spectrum of bag charms can be as simple as adding texture by wrapping a silk scarf or securing a beaded bracelet around the handle all the way to more personal statements such as mini plushies or mini utility items like lip gloss. Collecting bag charms is not specific to any price range; it’s common to see a vintage bag adorned with personalized charms. Even Jane Birkin decorated her iconic Birkin bag with keychains and jewelry. 

With the rising popularity of maximalism, personalized charms have extended beyond bags and are now showing up on footwear. Whether it's replacing laces with ribbon, or weaving charms and beads through laces, adding feminine touches to a sneaker repositions the otherwise athletic or functional model to something more luxurious and personal. Available in either white and blue or black and navy, the OTW by Vans Super Lowpro Trainer features a double lace, offering double the real estate for charms. The sneaker has the iconic Vans details and checkerboard laces, exuding an edgy look that is offset by the Lowpro silhouette, making for a versatile design. To highlight this versatility through a feminine lens, Gurina and Minji of GUMI show us how they style the OTW® by Vans Super Lowpro Trainer. 

Best friends Gurina and Minji are the founders of GUMI, a label that creates versatile and effortlessly stylish pieces through the use of technical materials and feminine essence. Both have an extensive history in the fashion industry and continue to use their experience to fulfill their vision through GUMI. Photographed at their garment warehouse, the authentic duo styles the trainer with a mix of their own pieces and CNCPTS SP25 styles. Through the use of proportions and textures, the styling challenges the sneaker by showing how it could be dressed up or down and enhanced with personal accessories. The double laces provide a blank canvas, inviting an endless amount of opportunities to express creativity through customization. 

The OTW® by Vans Super Lowpro Trainer will be available exclusively at 11am EST on February 21 at CNCPTS stores and cncpts.com.