Vans and SZA are bringing their Vansza collection to life through a New York Fashion Week in-person experience for fans that is inspired by nature, intuition, and self-discovery. The activation was designed as an immersive extension of the brand’s upcoming collaboration with the singer ahead of its Oct. 22 launch.
According to the release, guests can experience the themes, sensory references and visual storytelling that informed the Vansza designs. The activation is open to the public starting Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from noon to 4 p.m. at 260 Bowery in New York. It will offer a first look before the full campaign debut and collection launch next month.
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SZA is translating her perspective into footwear and apparel in the collection, bringing together expressive design, sensory details and thoughtful craftsmanship that she hopes will inspire a new generation to embrace their individuality and discover new forms of self-expression.
“This collection is really a reflection of how I live and what inspires me every day. I wanted to create pieces that feel comfortable, functional and expressive, whether you’re on a trail, in the city or discovering something new about yourself,” SZA said in a statement.
“Working with Vans gave me the freedom to explore ideas rooted in creativity, curiosity and play, and my hope is that people feel inspired to step outside their comfort zone, trust their instincts and have fun making something uniquely their own.”
The activation gives fans a first look at the shoes and the clothing from the collection, which will arrive in two separate drops. The Vansza Drop 1 collection will be available beginning Oct. 22 at Vans retail locations and Vans.com, with Drop 2 arriving in the spring, on April 8. SZA put her own spin on a selection of Vans classics for both drops.
For the fall drop, the Vansza Knu Skool Mule transforms one of SZA’s favorite Vans styles through an easy-on mule construction, while the Vansza Authentic Kickdown combines custom artwork by Sage Adams, distressed canvas and a collapsible heel for easy on-and-off wear.
The collapsible heel design approach was born from SZA’s lifelong habit of stepping on the backs of her shoes and transforming that behavior into a functional feature. The outdoor-inspired collection also features animal themes like fish and insects on both the shoes and the clothing.
The Vansza Knu Skool from Drop 2 draws from natural textures and field-inspired details through RealTree camouflage, interchangeable lace options and custom detailing. Rounding out the footwear assortment and leading the spring assortment is the Vansza LX Tabi Hiker.
The partnership introduces a bold new silhouette that ushers in an entirely new design language to the Vans lineup, delivering a style the brand says it has never done before. Designed for exploration, the LX Tabi Hiker silhouette pairs a distinctive split-toe construction with outdoor-ready functionality and expressive colorways, like electric blue and orange, that were hand-selected by SZA.
The footwear collection is complemented by apparel that translates SZA’s personal style into relaxed silhouettes, comfortable, tactile details, and unexpected design cues. Drawing from personal artifacts and lived-in favorites, the assortment balances comfort, utility and individuality.
SZA joined Vans as its first artistic director in August 2025. At the time, the footwear company announced a multi-year creative partnership with the five-time Grammy winner. She showed off custom Vans sneakers and other styles from her collection during Paris Fashion Week in January.