VANSZA combines outdoor references, workwear and SZA’s personal wardrobe
Vans and SZA have introduced VANSZA during New York Fashion Week through an immersive installation at 260 Bowery in New York. Open to the public on September 10 and 11, the temporary experience offers a first look at their upcoming collection and translates its references to nature, personal expression and outdoor culture into a physical environment. The project marks the latest development in SZA’s role as Vans Artistic Director, ahead of the first VANSZA release on October 22, 2026.
The collection follows the multi-year partnership announced between Vans and SZA in 2025, expanding their collaboration across footwear, apparel and campaign direction. SZA’s involvement draws on her long relationship with the brand and her own way of wearing Vans, using familiar silhouettes as a starting point for new proportions, functional details and references to pieces from her personal wardrobe. Outdoor clothing and workwear also inform the collection, introducing a practical element across both footwear and apparel.
Inside the New York installation, these ideas are translated into an environment built around the visual and material references behind VANSZA. Much like how HILARY takes over an izakaya in Chelsea for NYFW to create an intimate intersection between culinary art and fashion, natural elements, textured surfaces and product displays are arranged throughout the space, allowing visitors to experience the collection beyond a conventional retail presentation. The installation connects the clothing and footwear with broader themes of instinct, curiosity and self-expression, while introducing the design language that will continue across the upcoming releases.
Across the footwear, familiar Vans silhouettes are reworked through details connected to SZA’s own habits and preferences. The VANSZA LX Tabi Hiker introduces a split-toe construction combined with outdoor-oriented features, while the Knu Skool Mule adapts one of her preferred Vans models into an open-back silhouette. Another Knu Skool incorporates RealTree camouflage, interchangeable laces and custom detailing. The Authentic Kickdown features artwork by Sage Adams, distressed canvas and a collapsible heel inspired by SZA’s habit of wearing shoes with their backs folded down.
The apparel develops these references through workwear proportions, washed denim and functional detailing. A Workwear Trompe L’Oeil Fleece Set reproduces the appearance of a worn jacket from SZA’s wardrobe as a photorealistic print across a fleece top and matching trousers. The Denim Hunting Jacket and Multi-Pocket Denim Pant introduce oversized proportions, contrast corduroy and enlarged utility pockets, while additional garments incorporate watercolor artwork by Sage Adams and further references to outdoor clothing.
The first VANSZA collection will launch on October 22, 2026, through Vans stores and Vans.com, followed by a second release on April 8, 2027. By introducing the project through a temporary New York Fashion Week installation, Vans and SZA place the collection within a wider visual context, connecting the brand’s footwear archive with SZA’s personal wardrobe, outdoor references and a more individual approach to familiar Vans silhouettes.
All images credit: Vans
