(Johannesburg, 20 March 2025) – Vans is proud to present the next chapter of the Premium Old Skool Music Collection with Little Simz and Vans EMEA team rider Helena Long. Born in skate, raised in music, fusing heritage with innovation, Vans is reworking a classic for the next generation of creatives who move to their own beat.
Returning to the musical sphere with her new single “Flood”, Little Simz is an artist known for pushing boundaries both musically and stylistically. She’s been part of the Vans family since 2023 and has left her mark on the brand with a custom Slip-On collection, multiple campaign features, and an unforgettable House of Vans performance in Johannesburg.
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Now, she steps into the Premium Old Skool, a shoe that—like her music—challenges the status quo. Filmed in Johannesburg during Little Simz’s headline set at House of Vans, the campaign follows Little Simz and Helena Long, captured through the lens of longtime collaborator Fenn O’Meally.
First introduced as the Style 36 in 1977, the Old Skool™ was built for skaters, but its influence didn’t stop there. As the first Vans sneaker to feature the now-iconic Sidestripe™, it became a symbol of rebellion and creativity. For decades, it’s been worn in sweaty punk clubs, on hip hop stages, and by skaters carving their own path. The Premium Old Skool Music Collection taps into that energy by pulling inspiration from the three defining eras of music that made the Old Skool a cultural staple.
Reworked with premium materials and modern construction, the Vans Premium Old Skool Build takes an icon and levels it up. Designed for all-day wear, it features a more seamless fit and 30% biobased Sola Foam ADC insoles for next-level cushioning and comfort. Glossy sidewalls, higher foxing tape, and throwback branding bring in ‘90s-inspired details, keeping the Old Skool’s legacy intact while evolving it for the next generation.
For the wider campaign, Vans linked up with artists who bring raw energy and emotion to their music, including The Paranoyds, Voice of Baceprot, and HiTech. These creatives shape the culture, repping the Off The Wall mindset with the Old Skool laced up and ready to move.
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The Premium Old Skool Music Collection (Checkerboard) drops on March 20 at Vans retail locations and at Vans.co.za.
