SZA Named Artistic Director in Multi-Year Partnership with Vans

Photo Credit: Vans

Vans, the iconic skateboarding brand owned by VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) has officially named SZA as its new Artistic Director in a significant multi-year partnership.The collaboration brings together SZA’s visionary approach to music and style with Vans’ emphasis on individuality and community. As Artistic Director, SZA will work closely with Vans to overhaul upcoming campaigns and co-design exclusive product collections.

Her influence is set to form a fresh narrative for the brand, blending her genre-defying artistry with Vans’ commitment to creativity and the “Off the Wall” ethos. According to Vans, the partnership aims to “fuse her unique vision with the brand’s creative and youthful spirit.” The first campaign under this partnership is directed and photographed by Sophie Jones and styled by Alejandra Hernandez, aiming to be a “dreamy ode to expressing vulnerability through self-reflection, art, and style.” The campaign spotlights one of SZA’s favorite Vans styles—the Knu Skool in Black/White.

“In Vans, I feel free!” shares SZA about the new partnership. “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. I’ve learned that bravery and curiosity are the cures for uncertainty, it’s a lifestyle and Vans champions that spirit.”

The debut campaign celebrates the original design of Vans Knu Skool, first introduced in 1997. Reimagined for new audiences, it features a puffed-up tongue, a three-dimensional Sidestripe, and chunky, oversized laces inspired by skateboarding culture.

SZA enters this partnership with a stellar artistic reputation. Her major label debut album, Ctrl (2017), is RIAA-certified 5x Platinum and features the Diamond-certified single “Love Galore.” Her second album, SOS (2022), and its expanded version, SOS Deluxe: LANA, both debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 and achieved an 8x Platinum certification.SZA’s recent co-headlining Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar marked the most successful duo tour in music history. She has won 77 awards, including five Grammys, eight Billboard Music Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, and three American Music Awards. Beyond music, SZA debuted in the hit film One of Them Days (2025), which reached No.1 at the box office.