Primary colors, party looks
Los Angeles-based Toms Shoes has stepped into the political fray in the best possible way by selling an election-themed collection of footwear (with a canvas tote thrown in for good measure) emblazoned with red, white and blue symbols of the two major political parties — a donkey for the Democrats and an elephant for the Republicans.
Toms’ election collection, which ranges from $39 to $119, includes party-specific versions of traditional Toms’ silhouettes including a slip-on alpargata, a lace-up sneaker, a brogue and a flip-flop. The opposing parties come together as dangling charms on a pair of strappy wedges (illustrating, perhaps, that unity across the aisle is possible even if it’s just inches out of the gutter).
Beyond encouraging customers to vote with their feet, the onefor-one brand is partnering with Rock the Vote to host a Toms Super Tuesday voter engagement day at its Venice flagship store on Tuesday. That event is set to include a Toms-sponsored mobile voter registration booth, author and illustrator Dallas Clayton painting a mural (its theme will be to celebrate the right to vote), an acoustic performance by L.A. based solo artist Paul Bergmann and, for those who happen to be of voting and drinking age, cocktails. (California voters will be able to vote in the presidential primary election on June 7.)
The Toms Shoes election collection is available at Toms stores nationwide and online at www.toms.com. Toms Super Tuesday with Rock the Vote is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 1344 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice.