SZA is front and center in Vans’ spring 2026 “Off the Wall” campaign, marking the 60th anniversary of the brand’s iconic Vans Authentic. The Grammy-winning artist appears alongside Hayley Williams, Travis Barker, Franz Lyons, and professional skateboarders Lizzie Armanto and T-Funk.
Photographed by Rosie Marks, the campaign highlights a diverse lineup of creatives styling colorful interpretations of the classic sneaker while emphasizing individuality and cultural influence.
SZA’s involvement carries extra weight because she is not just a campaign face. In 2025, Vans named her its first-ever artistic director, launching a multiyear partnership that already includes a previous seasonal campaign and a set of gemstone-embellished Authentics designed with jeweler Rachel Goatley. Dubbed “VanSZA,” the custom sneakers debuted at Paris Fashion Week, signaling the singer’s deeper creative role in shaping the brand’s direction.
First introduced in 1966, the Vans Authentic began as a simple canvas deck shoe tied to California surf culture before becoming a staple among skateboarders drawn to its flat sole and durable build. Over six decades, the silhouette evolved far beyond skate parks, appearing in classrooms, music festivals, and streetwear scenes around the world. For Vans, the anniversary campaign underscores the idea that the Authentic has long functioned as a blank canvas for personal style.
The new campaign presents the sneaker in a range of updated colorways and patterns while maintaining its recognizable low-profile design. The first wave of styles launched March 12 through Vans retail locations and the company’s website, with a second release scheduled for April 2. As Vans celebrates the model’s legacy, the brand is positioning SZA and its creative collaborators as voices shaping what the Authentic represents for the next generation.
