Why We Created the Coffee Table Book
This year marks a huge milestone for VIJZ—our 10th anniversary. To celebrate, we’ve already held a design contest (click here for the winning design), but we wanted to do something even bigger. Something that captures not just the designs, but the stories, memories, and moments that have defined our journey. That’s when we decided to create a coffee table book that showcases the past 10 years of VIJZ. But there’s a bit more to the story of how this book came to life—and it all started with a broken thumb.
Why We Finally Started the Coffee Table Book
The idea for a coffee table book has been floating around for a while, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that we actually began working on it. At the start of 2024, Tom, our lead designer, broke his thumb during a ski trip. Unable to work on his usual projects, this became the perfect moment to kick off the book project we had been talking about for so long.
The timing felt right. After all, it’s our 10th anniversary, and we wanted to create something that wasn’t just another sneaker but a collector’s item that our fans could cherish—a piece of VIJZ history that showcases our journey and the people who have been a part of it.
A Collector’s Item for Our Fans
One of the reasons we created this book was because we often hear from our followers that while they love our designs, the bespoke sneakers are sometimes out of their budget. This coffee table book is a way for everyone to have something from VIJZ, packed with value, stories, and inspiration. It’s a beautiful piece that allows our fans to feel more connected to the brand, even if they can’t own a pair of custom sneakers.
From Concept to Reality: How We Created the Book
The initial groundwork for the book began back in 2022, during the time Auke was doing his internship with us. He started outlining the book and setting up the structure. Shoutout to Auke, as his work laid the foundation that Tom would later use for the final design.
Between January and February 2024, Tom worked full-time on this project—selecting the perfect photos, writing texts, crafting meaningful quotes, and piecing together the stories that defined the last decade. It was an all-encompassing task, but the effort was worth it.
After completing the first draft, we had a sample book printed. Holding the physical copy in our hands gave us a whole new perspective. Being able to see the book in real life gave us valuable insights on what could be improved. We believe that reviewing something physically offers a much better impression than checking it on a screen.
Our 10th anniversary coffee table book is more than just a look back at our journey—it’s a reflection of our values, our dedication, and the community we’ve built along the way. Whether you’re a long-time fan or someone new to VIJZ, this book offers something special for everyone. It’s a collector’s item that captures the essence of what VIJZ is all about.
Want to own a piece of VIJZ history?
🌐 Explore our coffee table book
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