Month: August 2025

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.

Name: Microsoft Windows XP x Crocs Classic ClogColor: Blue/Green/WhiteSKU: TBDRetail Price: TBDRelease Date: TBDWhere to Buy: CrocsIn a wave of nostalgia, Microsoft has unveiled a unique and playful collaboration to celebrate its 50th anniversary: the Windows XP-themed Crocs Classic Clog. This limited-edition footwear is a tribute to the iconic operating system, bringing its most recognizable elements to life.The Crocs feature the famous “Bliss” wallpaper, complete with a lush green hillside on the shoe’s sole and a bright blue sky with cumulus clouds on the upper. This design instantly transports wearers back to the early 2000s, a period of dial-up modems and desktop customization. The collaboration’s detail-oriented approach doesn’t stop there. Each pair comes with a special set of Jibbitz charms, including nostalgic icons like the Clippy paperclip assistant, the Internet Explorer logo, the MSN butterfly, and the classic mouse pointer.While the shoes are currently available for pre-order exclusively to Microsoft employees, the company has confirmed that a public release is on the way. This playful and creative collaboration is a fun way for Microsoft to commemorate its milestone and lean into the pop culture legacy of one of its most beloved operating systems.

Name: New Balance 993 Made in USA “Community Blue”Colorway: Community Blue/BlackSKU: U993BBRetail Price: $200 USDRelease Date: Available NowRetailers: New BalanceA beloved heritage silhouette returns with a new, vibrant look. The New Balance 993 “Community Blue” is set to release this Fall 2025, expanding the brand’s acclaimed “Made in USA” collection. This new colorway offers a fresh take on the classic runner that first debuted in 2008.The “Community Blue” colorway features a premium pig suede upper in a bold light blue, accented with contrasting black and grey underlays. This color blocking gives the shoe a clean, sophisticated aesthetic while maintaining the recognizable design language of the 993. The shoe is built on the trusted combination of ABZORB and ACTEVA cushioning in the midsole, ensuring both impact resistance and flexible support for all-day wear.As part of the New Balance “Made in USA” line, the shoe’s construction emphasizes high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The “Made in USA” branding is also prominently placed on the tongue. It’s a testament to the brand’s heritage, blending a classic, performance-inspired design with a modern color palette that appeals to both long-time fans and new collectors.