vans | sza debuts custom vans at fashion week

While Pharrell was busy reinventing the future of the home at Louis Vuitton, SZA was silently stealing the front row. Making her Paris Fashion Week debut, the Vans Artistic Director wore a 1-of-1 pair of custom ‘Ladybug Garden’ Vans Authentics.

The shoes are the work of Rachel Goatley, a self-taught, NYC-based jewellery designer and creative partner at Greg Yuna. Goatley adorned the classic white Authentic 44 with handcrafted enamel lace locks and sterling silver settings, encrusted with a treasure trove of yellow citrine, pink sapphire, emerald and peridot.

 

This LV appearance is just the opening act. Goatley has designed a total of five bespoke pairs for SZA to rotate throughout the week, spanning classic Old Skool and Authentic silhouettes. Each iteration, with names like ‘Enchanted Forest’ and ‘Temperature Ctrl,’ features a staggering array of stones, from diamonds and opals to malachite and star sapphires.

This moment serves as a high-fashion teaser for the broader SZA x Vans partnership. While these 1-of-1 pairs are exclusive to the artist, the collaboration signals a new era for Vans under SZA’s direction. 

Later this week, SZA is expected to step away from the runways for a community signing and product giveaway in the city.

 

photography. courtesy of Vans
words. Gennaro Costanzo