Old Skool, New Rules: Vans Reimagines an Icon for the Next Generation

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Vans continues to hold on tightly to the underground scene. The iconic Old Skool silhouette, now known as Style 36, was first introduced in 1977 and quickly became an essential part of the attire for skateboarders and punks everywhere. When Vans sponsored Warped Tour in 1996, it found a connection with the spirit of punk rock, grunge, and pop-rock music, forging alliances with various musical subcultures that played a role in fueling hip-hop’s new wave movement. Now, with the debut of the Premium Old Skool Music Collection, Vans honors its rebellious past while simultaneously embracing the future as it welcomes a fresh group of rule-breakers, skaters, and stage divers into its fold.

For two days, West Hollywood’s Kohn Gallery was dominated by Vans as they hosted a media summit to commemorate the launch. Guided by Vans archivist Catherine Acosta, the gallery event merged art, music, and DIY spirit to create an engaging journey through time, featuring influential figures who championed the iconic Old Skool shoe, from coast to coast. To kick off the evening, Acosta facilitated a discussion involving industry heavyweight Henry Rollins (Black Flag and Rollins Band), Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, guitarist Bela Salazar (The Linda Lindas), and practicing artist and rapper Jahlil Nzinga of The Pack, who is famous for the Bay Area hit “Vans” and its catchy hook: “I’m wearing Vans but they look like sneakers.

Regardless of where you traveled across America during the 1980s, if you encountered someone sporting Vans shoes, you could instantly tell they were quite trendy, Rollins explained, linking them to his contemporaries such as Stacy Peralta and Jay Adams who possessed similar tastes in fashion and music on the skate ramp. “The soundtrack of that era was FM radio hits like Foghat, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd,” he continued. “But when punk rock emerged, it seemed as though everyone became a punk rocker and formed a band overnight. Yet, we persisted with skateboarding, continued to wear Vans shoes, and attended The Clash concerts. So music served as the continuous thread, Vans were our constant companion, and punk rock was the unexpected twist in this story.

Salazar explained how the Riot Grrrl movement and bands like Bikini Kill played a crucial role in amplifying feminist conversations amidst a storm of male resistance. Similarly, Nzinga echoed the idea that Vans served as a link to diverse communities and artistic groups, catering not only to the usual suspects like sneaker enthusiasts, athletes, or the wealthy, but also to those who found their home in Fontana, California’s Vans store – a versatile outlet for skateboarding, BMX, and drumming. From guitar chords to grip tape, this shared identity within the Old Skool line tells compelling tales of camaraderie.

After the panel ended, Detroit native SKY JETTA made her appearance on stage. During her DJ performance, athletes sponsored by Vans dared to challenge gravity, performing tricks on a built-in halfpipe that even defied logic, landing gracefully in the midst of the audience. Scattered around the main stage were various exhibits, each one an expression of admiration for the communities that embraced the shoe’s connection with counterculture. These installations offered opportunities for meaningful conversations and snapshots that evoked a nostalgic aesthetic.

On display is a special sneaker showcase featuring updated designs of cheetah-patterned and single-toned versions, once worn by punk rock and hardcore musicians from the ’70s and ’80s (launching February 6 as the first drop of the Premium collection). Additionally, two-tone makeup patterns, flame prints from the Y2K era, and classic Checkerboard styles, which became popular during the start of Warped Tour in the mid-’90s (to be released March 6), are also included. Lastly, vibrant colorways reminiscent of popsicles with gum soles, representing alternative hip-hop groups such as Odd Future from the 2000s (set for release April 10).

The Premium Old Skool Music line offers a modern take on the classic Style 36 shoe, preserving its rebellious essence. The design is revamped with 30% bio-based Sola Foam ADC insoles for enhanced comfort and added durability through increased foxing tape. Showcases of these sneakers, accompanied by photo collages, offer a more in-depth look at the brand’s impact on fashion. This includes highlighting its significant collaborations with artists like the Descendents, A Tribe Called Quest, Denzel Curry, Golf Wang, Vivienne Westwood, and other influential figures in both music and fashion industries.

1970s memorabilia featuring posters of Agent Orange, Circle Jerks, Eminem, No Doubt, N.E.R.D., The Game, and Odd Future were displayed in a room designed to resemble a teenager’s bedroom for Vans’ immersive installation. CDs, vinyl records, and an old-fashioned 1990s computer helped visitors travel back in time to relics of the past that shaped their favorite eras. For Vans, this kind of cross-generational nostalgia is a core element of Style 36, but fashion aficionados continue to expand on this foundation through genuine self-expression.

On the second day of the summit, Nicole McLaughlin conducted a workshop on personalizing footwear. Renowned for her creative take on recycling, this designer encouraged participants to innovate the design of shoes by incorporating elaborate lacing mechanisms with metal charms, ribbons, and glitter-adorned sidewalls. This DIY spirit, deeply rooted in punk rock and skateboard culture, was echoed. Meanwhile, artist Chito utilized the shoe’s outline as a canvas, applying his distinctive airbrushed artwork to the uppers, thereby making them wearable art pieces. The shoes were given a rough, edgy feel with metallic glitter and dark watermark accents on their reinforced structures.


The event concluded with an electrifying series of live music acts by Horsegirl, culminating in a DJ set by Henry Rollins that echoed the raw energy of ’80s punk rock. As Paris Texas took the stage for their finale, rappers Louie Pastel and Felix showcased their genre-blending rhythms and sharp lyrics, sparking a mosh pit among the audience in unison.

Mosh pits serve as an outlet for releasing existential tension, bringing together individuals who dare to defy societal norms, sometimes even in unconventional ways amidst sweaty camaraderie. Throughout the years, Vans has cultivated a devoted following that values authenticity over fear, and this ethos remains relevant today. The youth may be angry, but their passion for genuine experience endures. It’s safe to say that timeless classics such as these shoes never fade away.

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2025-02-05 20:56