Vancouver Footwear Brand and Chinatown Restaurant Launch Lunar New Year Collaboration
In a celebration of community and cultural heritage, Vancouver-based waterproof footwear company Vessi has joined forces with the iconic Chinatown BBQ restaurant for a special Lunar New Year collaboration. The partnership goes beyond commercial interests, representing a meaningful connection to local culture and neighborhood revitalization.
Year of the Horse Inspired Design
Timed perfectly for the Lunar New Year festivities, Vessi has introduced a limited-edition version of their popular Tidal Sneaker dedicated to the Year of the Horse. The celebratory design features a striking red-and-gold color scheme that captures the spirit of the holiday. Design elements include vegan suede accents that the company says were inspired by the flowing mane of a horse, adding distinctive visual interest to the waterproof footwear.
The special edition sneaker, priced at $135, has already generated significant interest among consumers. According to company representatives, the Lunar New Year edition has sold out quickly, demonstrating strong market demand for culturally-inspired collaborations.
Community-Focused Partnership
To launch their special Lunar New Year shoe, Vessi turned to one of Vancouver's most beloved Chinatown establishments. Chinatown BBQ served as both the location for campaign photography and the host for special launch events throughout the holiday season.
"Lunar New Year is something we return to every year, but we want it to feel grounded in real places," explained Mikaella Go, co-founder of Vessi. "Working with Chinatown BBQ lets us celebrate the holiday in a way that's tied to community, culture and the city we grew up in."
More Than Just a Product Launch
According to Carol Lee, owner of Chinatown BBQ, the collaboration represents something much deeper than a typical product promotion. "Chinatown has always been a place of warmth, resilience and incredible food," she noted. "Celebrating Lunar New Year through this collaboration is about welcoming people back, supporting local businesses and keeping the heart of the neighbourhood thriving."
The partnership included several community-focused activities. In late January, the brands hosted a scavenger hunt that engaged local residents and visitors. From February 10th through 14th, Chinatown BBQ will host a Lucky Draw event where one winner will receive a free pair of Vessi shoes along with an $80 gift card to the restaurant.
Vessi's Innovative Approach
Founded in 2018, Vessi has built its reputation on innovative footwear technology. The company utilizes a proprietary material called Dyma-tex that allows them to combine comfort, functionality and modern design in their waterproof shoe collections. This Lunar New Year collaboration represents their ongoing commitment to connecting their products with meaningful cultural moments and local communities.
The partnership between these two Vancouver businesses demonstrates how commercial collaborations can serve broader community purposes, particularly during culturally significant celebrations like Lunar New Year. By combining product innovation with authentic cultural connections, both companies are strengthening their ties to Vancouver's diverse communities while celebrating an important annual tradition.
