Singer SZA Assumes Role as Vans' First-Ever Artistic Director in Extended Contract Span
In an exciting turn of events, American singer-songwriter SZA has been named the first-ever Artistic Director at Vans, a renowned footwear and apparel brand known for its youthful, creative spirit[1][2][3]. This multi-year creative partnership will see SZA reimagining campaigns and co-creating exclusive product collections that blend her unique artistic vision with Vans' ethos.
Kicking off this new era is SZA's first campaign as the Artistic Director, which spotlights her favourite Vans silhouette, the Knu Skool, in a monochromatic colorway[2]. The campaign, photographed by Sophie Jones, celebrates individuality, community, joy, and fashion intersectionality, themes that SZA emphasizes as part of her creative mission at Vans[1][2].
SZA's connection to Vans runs deep, with the artist having worn Knu Skool sneakers for years. She aims to champion bravery, curiosity, and self-acceptance through this partnership, reflecting Vans’ "Off the Wall" ethos[1]. This collaboration follows her previous footwear design experiences, such as her Crocs collaborations in 2022[2].
The Knu Skool sneakers, first introduced in the late 1990s, are a variation of the Old Skool sneakers. They feature a puffed tongue, an exaggerated Sidestripe, and oversized laces, giving them a nostalgic yet current design[4]. The black and white Knu Skool sneakers are currently available through Vans and select retailers[4].
The debut campaign for SZA's Knu Skool sneakers was shot in wide open landscapes, capturing the mood of SZA's plainspoken love for comfort and community[5]. This partnership officially began in August 2025 and represents a significant creative collaboration blending music, fashion, and lifestyle culture[1][2][3].
Sources:
- Vans Announces SZA as First-Ever Artistic Director
- SZA's Debut Campaign as Vans Artistic Director
- SZA Takes the Reins at Vans
- SZA's Knu Skool Sneakers: A Closer Look
- The Mood of SZA's Debut Campaign with Vans
SZA's creative partnership with Vans extends beyond footwear, as she delves into fashion-and-beauty and entertainment, planning to launch collections that sync with her artistic vision and Vans' ethos. In the realm of music, this collaboration signals a fresh lifestyle dimension, a blend of her love for music and her new found role as an Artistic Director at Vans.
