A pair of shoes can often symbolize your place within a cultural community. The Vans Old Skool has established itself as a timeless icon, leaving its mark in skate parks, on music stages, and along urban streets, earning admiration from those who value effortless style. Since its inception in 1977 as the Style 36, the Old Skool has left an indelible mark on skateboarding, music, and youth culture. Its iconic Sidestripe, originally a playful design experiment, grew into a global emblem of individuality. Over the years, the Old Skool has graced skateparks, punk rock stages, hip hop scenes, and city streets, becoming a cultural mainstay for those who carve their own path.
Now, Vans reintroduces this classic with the Premium Old Skool Collection, a reimagining that bridges heritage and innovation. Crafted with premium materials and modern construction, the collection is tailored for all-day wear. Features like 30% bio-based Sola Foam insoles, glossy sidewalls, and throwback branding take the Old Skool to new heights. It’s a shoe that respects its legacy while evolving for the next generation of cultural icons.
At the heart of this campaign are two cultural tastemakers who embody the Old Skool ethos: Little Simz and Helena Long. Returning to the musical sphere with her new single “Flood”, Little Simz is an artist known for pushing boundaries both musically and stylistically. Little Simz, a longtime Vans ambassador, continues to break boundaries with her music. Her bold approach to her craft mirrors the daring spirit of the Old Skool. With a history of collaborations, including a custom Slip-On collection and a standout performance at House of Vans in Johannesburg, Simz now steps into the Premium Old Skool to further the shoe’s cultural narrative. Helena Long, a Vans Europe and Middle East and Africa (EMEA) team rider and a champion for women in skateboarding, adds her unique voice to the story. She represents a growing community of female skaters who challenge norms and redefine the sport.
The campaign, captured in Johannesburg during Little Simz’s headline set at House of Vans, is a vibrant celebration of music, skate, and creativity. Directed by longtime collaborator Fenn O’Meally, it brings to life the energy and authenticity that have always defined Vans. Drawing inspiration from the punk, hip hop, and skate eras that shaped the Old Skool’s history, the collection connects past and present, setting the stage for its future.
With artists like The Paranoyds, Voice of Baceprot, and HiTech also joining the campaign, the Premium Old Skool Collection cements its place as a cultural icon for the next generation.
The Premium Old Skool Vans are available now at Vans stores and online at Vans.co.za
