SZA Named Vans' First-Ever Artistic Director

SZA is joining Vans as their Artistic Director for a multi-year partnership.

The shoe company announced the singer's new role on Aug. 14 with a post on its website detailing what the collaboration will consist of. According to its post, SZA will partner with Vans “to reimagine upcoming campaigns and co-create exclusive product collections that fuse her unique vision” with the brand’s identity.

“In Vans, I feel free!" said SZA in a statement. “I've been wearing Knu Skools and other styles for years, they've always had an ethos I connect with. As Artistic Director, my mission is to show that joy, community, creativity, and fashion are all still intersectional. That humanity, culture, and connection are still the access points.”

“I’ve learned that bravery and curiosity are the cures for uncertainty, it’s a lifestyle and Vans champions that spirit,” she continued. “They stand where I stand, and I’m honored to invite a whole bunch of people to stand Off the Wall with us.

SZA and Vans have already released a debut campaign to celebrate the new partnership that’s inspired by one of her favorite shoes — the Vans Knu Skool.

In a recent Vogue interview, SZA explained why she’s perfect to collab with Vans. “If you think about Vans and me, it makes so much sense,” she told the outlet. “I've always been about comfort and self-expression. I love feeling stable, sturdy—and also cute as fuck.”

“Skate culture is so paramount [to Vans], but the ethos of skate culture is what I think is beautiful,” she added. “There is a lot of perseverance, trying and failing—a community that loves to take risks.”

SZA’s new role is sure to be a flex that she’ll hold over her opps’ heads — particularly Nicki Minaj, with whom she engaged in a social media back-and-forth in July. In a post that month, SZA alleged that Minaj asked her for a feature twice to which she ignored.

“You absolutely know my music and what I contribute cause you’ve asked for features twice to no response,” wrote SZA. “In addition to rapping my lyrics on feeling myself ‘Cooking up the bass looking like a kilo' lol ur having a moment..I’m not sure why but be blessed.”