SZA Releases First Vansza Collection as Vans' Artistic Director

SZA's first full collection as artistic director of Vans went on sale Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. The two-part line, called Vansza, opened with a first drop of footwear, apparel and accessories at Vans retail locations and on Vans.com, according to Billboard and Footwear News. A second drop is scheduled for April 8, 2027.

Billboard described Vansza as a collection that "pairs skater footwear and clothing with outdoor activities like hiking, hunting and fishing." The release is the singer's debut product line since Vans named her its first-ever artistic director in August 2025, when the company announced a multi-year creative partnership with the five-time Grammy winner, Footwear News reported.

What is in Drop 1

Two reworked Vans silhouettes lead the first drop: the Vansza Knu Skool Mule and the Vansza Authentic Kickdown. Footwear News reported that the Knu Skool Mule "transforms one of SZA's favorite Vans styles through an easy-on mule construction," and that the Authentic Kickdown "combines custom artwork by Sage Adams, distressed canvas and a collapsible heel for easy on-and-off wear."

According to Footwear News, the collapsible heel grew out of SZA's lifelong habit of stepping on the backs of her shoes, which the design turns into a functional feature. Sneaker release site DamnKicks described the Authentic as a white canvas upper "covered in hand-drawn fish," with frayed edges at the collar and a heel "built to fold down" so it doubles as a slip-on. It described the Knu Skool Mule as black suede with an oversized white 3D Sidestripe and the back cut away entirely.

The apparel side includes graphic tees, hoodies, denim hunting jackets and sweatpants, Billboard reported. One piece draws directly on SZA's own wardrobe: a fleece set printed to look like a well-worn workwear jacket. "I love workwear but sometimes it's just uncomfortable to move around in," SZA said, according to Billboard. "I made my dream workwear set but for the quintessentially cozy individual like myself lol." Footwear News reported that the collection also uses animal themes, including fish and insects, on both shoes and clothing.

Release details and pricing

The Vans Japan launch page also lists the first drop for Thursday, Oct. 22, and names the two shoes the Premium Authentic Kickdown and the Premium Knu Skool Mule. DamnKicks reported that Foot Locker's launch calendar listed both shoes for 10 a.m. ET on Oct. 22 at $100 each, with style codes VN00115AWHT and VN00119WBA2. It added that Foot Locker was running both pairs as app entries limited to one pair per person, shipped to home only.

Reported retail prices differ by listing. Release tracker Just Drops shows the same two style codes at $110 for the Authentic Kickdown and $115 for the Knu Skool Mule, alongside separate entries at $100. Vans has not said whether either style will be restocked, according to DamnKicks.

The campaign and the road to launch

According to the Vans Japan launch page, the campaign was photographed by India Sleem against the landscape of California, with product and landscape images by Los Angeles-based photographer Yudo Kurita. The cast includes Vans skate team rider Zion Wright and models Caylee Blosenski and Isabella Carr.

The collection was first shown to the public during New York Fashion Week. Footwear News reported that Vans and SZA held an in-person fan experience at 260 Bowery in New York on Sept. 10 and 11, which the outlet said was inspired by "nature, intuition, and self-discovery." Before that, SZA showed custom Vans sneakers and other styles from the collection during Paris Fashion Week in January, the outlet reported.

"This collection is really a reflection of how I live and what inspires me every day," SZA said in a statement quoted by Footwear News. "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." She added: "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."

What comes in Drop 2

The spring release on April 8, 2027, will be led by the Vansza LX Tabi Hiker, a split-toe shoe that Footwear News said brings a style the brand "has never done before," in colorways including electric blue and orange chosen by SZA. Drop 2 also includes a Vansza Knu Skool in RealTree camouflage with interchangeable lace options, according to Footwear News. Highsnobiety previewed the camouflage Knu Skool, describing white laces, a puffy tongue and red contrast stitching at the Jazz Stripe.