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Vans Keeps Its Grip on the Underground with the Premium Old Skool Music Collection
When it comes to staying true to its rebellious roots, Vans has never missed a beat. The iconic brand has been a staple in the underground scene since the debut of its Style 36, also known as the Old Skool silhouette, in 1977. From skateboarders to punks, the Old Skool quickly became a must-have in their wardrobes.
In 1996, Vans took its underground presence to the next level by sponsoring the Warped Tour, tapping into the punk rock, grunge, and pop-rock movements. This connection with musical subcultures helped pave the way for the rise of hip-hop’s new wave movement.
Now, with the launch of the Premium Old Skool Music Collection, Vans pays homage to its rebellious roots while boldly stepping into the future with a new generation of misfits, skaters, and stage divers.
Vans Takes Over West Hollywood’s Kohn Gallery for a Two-Day Media Summit
To celebrate the release of the Premium Old Skool Music Collection, Vans hosted a two-day media summit at West Hollywood’s Kohn Gallery. Led by Vans archivist Catherine Acosta, the gallery experience fused art, music, and DIY culture to create an immersive walk down memory lane.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Acosta, with industry legends Henry Rollins (Black Flag and Rollins Band) and Travis Barker (Blink-182), as well as guitarist Bela Salazar (The Linda Lindas) and rapper Jahlil Nzinga of The Pack, known for their hit song “Vans.”
Vans: A Throughline in Music, Fashion, and Skateboarding
During the panel discussion, Rollins highlighted the impact of Vans in the ’80s, stating, “No matter where you went in America, if you saw someone in Vans, you knew they gotta be pretty cool.” He also drew connections to fellow skateboarders and musicians who shared similar fashion and music sensibilities.
Salazar discussed how Vans played a role in the Riot Grrrl movement and platformed feminist discourse in a male-dominated scene. Nzinga also shared how Vans served as a bridge to alternative communities and creative tribes for those who didn’t fit into traditional sneakerhead, athlete, or wealthy categories.
Barker, a longtime fan of Vans, praised the brand for its comfortable shoes that could easily transition from skateboarding to BMX to drumming. From the music to the griptape, Vans has become a symbol of chosen family for those in the underground scene.
