Los Angeles: Vans has announced the launch of its Premium Old Skool collection, inspired by various music eras and the brand’s rich skateboarding heritage. The first phase celebrates the punk scene of the 1970s, with the initial release set for February 6.
Vans has revealed plans to release an all-new version of the iconic Old Skool, a shoe that reflects the brand’s rich history in skateboarding and music. This updated model is inspired by the original Old Skool, which debuted in 1977 specifically as a skate shoe, designed by and for the skating community. Notably, it was the second skate shoe silhouette introduced by Vans and the first to feature the now-signature Sidestripe, which has become a hallmark of the brand’s identity.
In celebration of the Premium Old Skool’s launch and its historical significance, Vans hosted an archive exhibition at the Kohn Gallery in Los Angeles last week. “The photo of Stacy Peralta displayed in the exhibit is the earliest known image of someone wearing it,” Vans Archivist Catherine Acosta stated in an interview with Complex. She added that this moment in history lays “the foundation for a pivotal skate moment in the ’70s.”
Since its establishment in 1966, Vans has played an integral role in various alternative subcultures across America. The brand initially garnered favour among skateboarders in California, who valued the shoe’s sticky gum sole and overall durability. By the late 1970s, Vans had expanded nationally, becoming synonymous with skate shoes. As the brand’s popularity burgeoned within the skate community, its influence permeated the punk scene as well. Acosta explained, “People who skated naturally gravitated towards punk and hardcore. And if you were wearing [Vans], it was a symbol that you had a connection to these subcultures.” This cultural crossover has prompted Vans to explore the relationship between the brand and music more comprehensively.
The release of the Premium Old Skool Music Collection will occur in three phases, with each drop representing a distinct music era that has shaped Vans: the punk scene of the 1970s, the Vans Warped Tour of the 2000s, and hip-hop from the 2010s. Each model within the Premium Old Skool collection features design elements inspired by these musical decades, including retro prints, glossy sidewalls, and throwback branding, while also incorporating contemporary features such as a sustainable 30% biobased Sola Foam insole for enhanced fit and comfort.
The first drop of the collection, which consists of a ’70s-’80s Punk capsule featuring a leopard-print Premium Old Skool, is set to be released on February 6, with prices ranging from $90 to $95. The ongoing evolution of Vans’ designs reflects both a homage to the brand’s storied past and a commitment to adapting to the fashion landscape of today.
Source: Noah Wire Services
