Vans is proud to shine a light on musicians who have carved their own lane and pushed the boundaries of creativity as a vehicle of self-expression. As part of the latest Old Skool campaign, Vans has supported artists and creatives like Denzel Curry and CHIKA who have trailblazed their own path within the hip-hop industry to custom design their own colorway of the Old Skool. Curry, celebrated rapper of many talents, first made a name for himself with his hard-hitting, evocative lyrical storytelling, while CHIKA, acclaimed rapper from Alabama, found her calling as a vibrant, outspoken advocate for sexuality, inclusivity and self-expression. The custom made Old Skools designed by Denzel Curry and CHIKA are available now at Vans.com/oldskool.
“I chose the Old Skool because it has always maintained its classic status, it’s something that no matter the times has always remained relevant,” said Denzel. “I’ve been working on my comic for the past two years and I wanted to find the right way to introduce it to the world, I’ve spoken about it for so long, but this is the first step of it feeling like a reality. Vans has given me the artistic platform to present something new, I can only hope that it’ll have the same generational impact their brand has been able to maintain.
Long before the South Florida native was learning how to rap, Denzel Curry was introduced to comic books by his father when he was learning how to draw. This form of artist expression sparked a creative outlet that is still present today through Denzel’s own lyrics and characters that he illustrates. His passion for comic books, anime and illustration, showcased in Vans’ most recent campaign series here, serve as the inspiration for the poster art and custom designed Old Skool, which features characters and scenes that have been collaged together from his forthcoming comic, “Hail Trails: 7th Player” to create a one-of-a-kind pattern that can be found on the quarter panel of the shoe and as a swatch on Vans Customs. Denzel Curry’s custom Old Skool is complimented by an iconic white Sidestripe, red cotton laces and a gum sole.
Hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, CHIKA is a Grammy nominated MC who always knew she wanted to be an artist and continues to do so on her own terms by being authentically herself and genuinely following her heart. Her poetic raps, rhymes and freestyles unequivocally touch on race and gender expression, CHIKA uses her platform to advocate for issues that matter to her and generations of fans. For her custom Old Skool design, CHIKA was inspired by her astrology sign as a Pisces. Known for being sympathetic to the underdog, CHIKA is a fierce Pisces woman and chose to highlight the water signs vivid fish scales on the quarter panels of the Old Skool. The low top showcases hand-drawn koi fish scale pattern and is complimented by black suede toe and heel counter along with a white Sidestripe. CHIKA’s custom Pisces inspired Old Skool is available to shop on Vans Customs or fans can use her print to inspire their own design.
To watch Denzel Curry’s creative process for his comic book illustrations and dive deeper into the making of his poster art, watch his artist story on Vans.com/offthewall. To Shop Denzel Curry and CHIKA’s custom made Old Skoolsvisit Vans.com/oldskool.
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 97 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as Vans Checkerboard Day, Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
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