In the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh

World-renowned artist Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was a traveler. He lived in more than 20 places in Europe. And now his art is doing the same; it travels the world. Vincent’s native country is the province of Noord-Brabant (Brabant) in the southern part of the Netherlands. Here he lived half his life. And no matter how far his travels took him, he always longed for Brabant where his love for farm life, the countryside and the life of the common people arose.

Brabant

In Brabant he found themes that connect his work and which can be seen in his drawings, paintings and sketches in his letters. Whether he worked in Amsterdam, The Hague, Brussels, London, the Borinage, Drenthe, Antwerp, Paris, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or Auvers-sur-Oise, Vincent was and remained a Brabander.

A source of inspiration

In Brabant it is possible to follow in Vincent’s footsteps and really see the landscape and surroundings as he saw it. Fortunately, a lot of the original heritage has been preserved, making this possible. The idea of taking the walk on real Van Gogh shoes inspired Tomas to develop the “Vincent van Gogh Shoes”. The idea became even more beautiful with the thought that the shoes would also be produced in Brabant, the cradle of the shoe industry.

DISCIPLINES

Discover the possibilities to realize a special idea. Tomas is happy to take on that challenge. In doing so, different disciplines come together, who can be deployed to allow the ideas to mature.

How fantastic it would be to walk through our beautiful Brabant country and to wear your own Van Gogh shoes. In the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh. This idea and this wish formed the starting point for developing the shoes.

The basic concept emerged from a few first manual and digital sketches of a shoe with almond blossom.

The activation of various channels (online / offline) in combination with the involvement of the own network, resulted in enormous (worldwide) media attention for the shoes.

The development of the website, the shoe box with matching labels, in-store branding in stores, partner events, PR, video registrations. The entire mix under its own art direction resulted in conversion on its own website and through the sales channels of Van Drunen Schoenfabriek.

Without involved partners, the development of these special shoes would never have been possible. The specific expertise of everyone, the ideas and business opportunities that arise from a joint approach, the pleasure of working together. These are some examples that make all of this worthwhile.

Vincent’s work has always intrigued me. I gaze with admiration at the brushstrokes and lines of his work. I am impressed by his compositions, use of color and interpretations. All this, combined with his written legacy, ensures a constant admiration of his entire oeuvre.

Tomas Snels

Art Director, Tomas Concept + Creation

COCREATION

Connection

Success in converting a creative idea into reality is partly determined by connecting the right expertise in combination with enthusiasm and commitment. In order to realize my design of the ‘Van Gogh shoes’, I looked for partners who fully matched this. Entrepreneurs with knowledge and a pragmatic approach In close collaboration with Van Drunen Schoenfabriek and the Van Gogh Sites Foundation, a special dynamic is created that leads to promising entrepreneurship for all of us.

In the photo from left to right:
Sean Bobitt (Breakthru Films/Loving Vincent), Maarten van Drunen (Van Drunen Schoenfabriek), Hugh Welchman (Breakthru Films/Loving Vincent). Tomas Snels (Tomas Concept + Creation), Frank van den Eijnden (Van Gogh Sites Foundation/Van Gogh Brabant), Dorota Kobiela (Breakthru Films/Loving Vincent)

Craft is an art

Anyone who hears the name “De Langstraat” immediately thinks of the shoe history that originated here. And to the region that is today the leading center of shoe technology and innovation. Traditional shoemaking, Maarten and Remco learned it from their father and their grandfather. The roots of Van Drunen Schoenfabriek have been in the center of De Langstraat for many generations (since 1946).

The family business is characterized by combining the unique comfortable fit in a wide range of sizes for the Gijs and Durea brands.
With the knowledge acquired from the past and the possibilities of today, the shoe factory is working on the future. When Tomas approached them with the idea of developing Van Gogh shoes, they immediately responded. Knowledge and expertise from the past and present were used in all facets to arrive at a high-quality, qualitative and unique product.

ALMOND BLOSSOM

A special gift

The beautiful painting “Almond Blossom” was a gift for Vincent’s brother Theo and his wife Johanna. Cousin Vincent Willem had just been born and what could be better to give than his most beloved subject of the moment: blossoming trees against a blue sky. Appropriate too, because for Vincent this image stood for new budding life and hope.

As we have told you, we name him after you and I wish him to become as tenacious and as courageous as you.

Theo van Gogh, January 31, 1890

“For above the parental bed”; because that’s where the masterpiece takes its little nephew into Vincent’s view of the world. It is a special painting in every way. Vincent thought it was his best work from that period. Painted in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence with unprecedented peace and attention to detail for Vincent.

The powerful colors, the special theme, the underlying story and the atmosphere make this work extremely suitable for use on shoes. While walking through the beautiful Brabant landscape in real almond blossom shoes and enjoying the views and monuments that Vincent also saw. It connects you with his work and life.

For more information about Vincent van Gogh, also visit the website of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

COCREATION PARTNERS

CAMPAGNE OVERVIEW

BROCHURE

Brochure

Download here the product brochure with more information about the Vincent van Gogh Shoes.

More information

Interested in the shoes! Order them in length and width from Van Drunen Schoenfabriek or take a look at this website.