Good Knu Skool Days
SZA Announces Vans Artistic Director Role In One of The Brand’s Coolest Skate Shoes
The Grammy-winner is Vans’ first artistic director
Oscar Hartzog
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August 14, 2025
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Vans/Sophie Jones
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SZA’s resume just got longer. Today, Vans announced that the Grammy-winning singer and actor would become the brand’s first artistic director.
During the multi-year partnership, fans can expect campaigns and exclusive Vans collections co-created by SZA. “In Vans, I feel free!” said SZA 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.”
Vans announced its SZA partnership with a batch of campaign imagery, photographed by Sophie Jones and styled by Alejandra Hernandez, showing SZA rocking the black and white Knu Skool Shoe. The chunky skater shoe, first released in 1998, has seen a resurgence lately as puffy Y2K silhouettes make a comeback. They’re available in 21 colors — including bold options like flames and pink-on-brown — but SZA’s classic black and white pick is our favorite. Pick them up on Vans.com for $80.
SZA’s Pick
Vans Knu Skool Shoe
$80
“I’ve learned that bravery and curiosity are the cures for uncertainty; it’s a lifestyle, and Vans champions that spirit,” said SZA. “They stand where I stand, and I’m honored to invite a whole bunch of people to stand Off the Wall with us.”
Although this is by far SZA’s biggest role in the fashion business, she’s dipped her toe in a couple of times over the past few years. Her foray into clothing was a campaign with Tommy Hilfiger. SZA followed that up with her own Crocs collection, which sold out.
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