SZA has officially joined Vans as their first-ever Artistic Director in a multi-year partnership.
The brand announced the news on Aug. 14, revealing that the singer will help “reimagine upcoming campaigns and co-create exclusive product collections that fuse her unique vision” with Vans’ signature style.
“In Vans, I feel free!” SZA shared in a statement. “I’ve been wearing Knu Skools and other styles for years, they’ve always had an ethos I connect with. 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.”
She continued, “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.”
To mark the new partnership, SZA and Vans dropped their first campaign inspired by one of her go-to pairs — the Vans Knu Skool.
Speaking with Vogue, SZA explained why the collaboration makes perfect sense: “If you think about Vans and me, it makes so much sense. I’ve always been about comfort and self-expression. I love feeling stable, sturdy—and also cute as fuck.”
She also highlighted skate culture as a core part of the brand’s DNA. “Skate culture is so paramount [to Vans], but the ethos of skate culture is what I think is beautiful. There is a lot of perseverance, trying and failing—a community that loves to take risks.”
SZA’s new gig as Vans’ Artistic Director is already being seen as a major win — one she might subtly flex over her rivals, especially Nicki Minaj.
Back in July, the two traded shots online after SZA claimed Nicki had asked her for a feature twice, which she ignored.
“You absolutely know my music and what I contribute cause you’ve asked for features twice to no response,” SZA wrote at the time. “In addition to rapping my lyrics on ‘Feeling Myself’ — ‘Cooking up the bass looking like a kilo’ lol ur having a moment..I’m not sure why but be blessed.”
