SummarySZA has signed on with Vans as the brand’s Artistic Director, kicking off a multi-year partnership between the twoThe musician will oversee creative campaigns and co-create exclusive product collections that meld her artistic vision with the footwear label’s ethosSophie Jones shot the first campaign from the new partners, which spotlights SZA’s favorite Knu Skool silhouette in its monochromatic colorwayThe era of VanSZA is upon us. A fan of Vans – especially Knu Skools – since her early days, SZA now gets to take an active role in the brand’s innovation, officially signing on as its Artistic Director, marking the start of a multi-year partnership.Connecting over a shared playful, creative synergy, SZA’s position at Vans will allow her to “reimagine upcoming campaigns and co-create exclusive product collections that fuse her unique vision with the brand’s creative and youthful spirit.” The press release continues to explain how the singer’s energy aligns effortlessly with the ethos of the brand’s mantra, writing: “In her, we see the essence of Off the Wall.””In Vans, I feel free!” SZA added, the new collaborative endeavor indicating her second major foray into the footwear space; she designed her first Crocs collaboration in May of 2022, followed by a second one that December.But it’s her innate connection with Vans that makes this pair-up feel perfect.”I’ve been wearing Knu Skools and other styles for years; they’ve always had an ethos I connect with,” she continued, the silhouette signalling the centerfold of her first campaign in the role. Lensed by Sophie Jones, SZA’s first Vans visuals lean into the beauty in vulnerability,”As Artistic Director, my mission is to show that joy, community, creativity, and fashion are all still intersectional. That humanity, culture, and connection are still the access points. I’ve learned that bravery and curiosity are the cures for uncertainty; it’s a lifestyle, and Vans champions that spirit. They stand where I stand, and I’m honored to invite a whole bunch of people to stand Off the Wall with us.”Explore the duo’s first campaign in the gallery above, and stay tuned for what else surfaces from the partnership.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
