Vans once again does what it does best: turning skate culture into art

While luxury brands continue competing through futuristic silhouettes and increasingly complex collaborations, Vans makes a much stronger move — bringing back the feeling of real street culture.

The new OTW by Vans collaboration with artist and filmmaker Julian Klincewicz is not just another sneaker drop. It’s a story about why men still love Vans after decades.

Because Vans has never tried to look “too perfect”.

Sneakers with character, not display pieces

In the new collection, Klincewicz reimagines two iconic silhouettes:
— Old Skool 36
— Style 31

And here’s the key point: this is not about sterile fashion aesthetics.

These are sneakers that feel like they already have a story of their own.

Worn suede. Hand-drawn sketches. Deliberately imperfect details. Colors that recall faded skate parks in late-90s California.

That’s exactly why this collaboration hits differently.

Modern menswear is moving further away from “perfection”. Men are tired of looking like AI-generated ad characters. Instead, the lived-in aesthetic is taking over — pieces that feel real, worn, and full of history.

And Vans has always mastered that atmosphere.

Old Skool 36 — summer, asphalt, and freedom

The standout of the release is the Old Skool 36 in “Mango Mojito Orange” and “Ivy Green”.

These are the shades that instantly feel like summer:
— sun-faded ramps
— the sound of wheels on concrete
— an ice-cold drink after skating
— music from an old Bluetooth speaker
— golden hour somewhere between Venice Beach and Downtown LA

These sneakers don’t rely on aggressive hype. And that’s exactly why they look expensive.

As if they were saying:
“I don’t need to prove anything.”

Style 31 — for those who prefer quiet style

If the Old Skool 36 is street energy, the Style 31 in “India Ink/Black” feels like the grown-up version of skate culture.

Minimal. Dark. Calm.

It’s no longer teenage skate shop aesthetics, but the style of a man who grew up on Vans and now pairs them with wide trousers, vintage hoodies, and luxury watches.

That’s where modern menswear truly wins:
not choosing between luxury and streetwear, but blending them as if they were always meant to coexist.

The most personal detail of the collection

But the most meaningful part of this collaboration isn’t even the design.

Each pair comes with a special charm inspired by Klincewicz’s dog, Roo.

And that’s a very modern move.

Because today, men don’t just buy products anymore — they buy emotions and personal stories. People are tired of soulless objects. They want to feel the creator behind the work.

Even in a pair of sneakers.