Boy, have we been busy! This year, we saw record numbers both in store and online, with our Custom Printshop stealing the show by bringing in thousands of new orders and the opportunity to collaborate with individuals, businesses, and even some celebrities, from all over the world!
We also began some exciting new relationships with local artists Ali T. Bruce and Jesse R. Galbraith, who both collaborated with us on some Baggins Original designs, which are now available in store and online. You can check out Ali's artist feature on the blog here, and stay tuned for Jesse's in the next few weeks! To say we were wowed with your creative custom designs throughout 2017 would be a definite understatement, and something we continue to be excited about.
Speaking of collaborations, 2017 also saw some great mash-ups with our staple brands - VansxPeanuts + StancexStrangerThings, just to name a few. Without giving anything away, we can tell you 2018 is also shaping up to be a great year in the collaboration department, so stay tuned to see what the New Year will bring!
At our brick and mortar shop located in the LoJo district of downtown Victoria BC, we were kept busy all year ‘round. We were honoured to be included in many of your Spring Break adventures, family vacations, and memory making moments. Near or far, we got our “kicks” out of meeting you, #BagginsFam. In addition to our support from across the globe, Victorians voted Baggins one of the Best Local Shoe Stores in 2017 at the Times Colonist Reader's Choice Awards! We love this little island, and it means a lot, so thank you so much for your recognition!
We also added a new brand to our roster in 2017, which we couldn’t be more pumped about; with a history in pop culture and sharing our love of creative expression, adding Dr. Martens to our line-up was a no-brainer. As 90’s fashion continues to trend, Docs will add just the right amount of nostalgic flair to any outfit you bring into 2018 (Psst.. stay tuned for insider scoop about our official Dr. Martens launch party coming in the New Year, you won’t want to miss it.)
This year, the market continued to be dominated by the Vans Old Skool. While popular and on trend in any colour, classic black & white reigned supreme, and the Old Skool reached new heights - literally - in a new platform version that we can’t keep from flying out the door. We are expecting to see the same momentum on this coveted style in 2018, so get yours while you can!
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What does 2018 have in store? Fashion bloggers and trend spotters have called for some fun and exciting developments! Here’s what we can expect:
Art-infused prints have been popping up on all the runways for Spring 2018. We've noticed Raf Simons using Andy Warhol art for Calvin Klein Spring 2018, testing the boundaries between fashion and art. We're also noticing a lean towards heavy branding, with individuals using old-school brands to express themselves. Checkerboard was ultra-hip this year, as we've seen with Vans! This checker fever will not slow down, as prints will be hotter than ever. We'll see an influx in updated florals, plaid, and even gingham! Power-clashing is the new black.
If we're talking colour, we're talking pastels. The primary colour focus of 2018 will be traded in for more muted, fun tones like lavender, yellow, and orange. Fun colours will translate to fun fashion, and trendsetters will wear expressive socks to brighten up even the most neutral outfit.
Baggins 2018 Prediction: It's going to be a big year for the Converse One Star. This classic will see a resurgence in a vast array of fun colours in 2018.
Want to get a head start on the trends? Check out some of these plastic fantastic Chucks + on-trend colourful Vans and Converse already in stock!
We have a lot great upcoming arrivals in 2018, so be sure to follow Baggins Shoes and Baggins Printshop on Instagram and Pinterest for updates! We’re excited for what’s to come.
We couldn’t continue to do what we do without you #BagginsFam! Thank you for an amazing 2017, we look forward to another great year in 2018!