As Vans revamps its classic Vans series, the brand has tapped musician Anderson .Paak as its new face and global music ambassador for its “Classic Since Forever” campaign series. It appears to be a perfect match of easy, soulful styles. If you keep up with Anderson .Paak, you’re probably familiar with the eight-time Grammy-awarded musician’s style and sound, which are heavily influenced by the 1970s funk culture. It’s rare that we don’t witness Anderson sporting groovy suits, silky-smooth threads, and even the era’s unhinged bowl cut hairstyle on the red carpet.
The music artist again utilizes “Vanderson” — Vans and Anderson .Paak combined as a canvas for his retro tastes. The new campaign is directed by Anderson himself, and the artist decided to make it a family affair, featuring his son, sister and nieces and nephew – Soul Rasheed, Roni Baize, Brooklyn Baize, Knight Baize, Kamia Timan, Paris Timan and Milan Timan, as well as Marsai Martin. Nostalgic paisley prints lead the latest Vans x Anderson collection, dressing pieces like the reversible bucket hat, tapered straight-leg trousers, and trucker-meets-coach jacket. The pattern even appears on the collection’s kimono-style robe, which happens to be an Anderson .Paak original.
As the classic shoe company states on its website, “the Vans x Anderson .Paak Vanderson Collection is a unique capsule that honors both the past and present, while maintaining the individuality and “Off The Wall” personality of both the artist and brand. Anderson .Paak perfectly embodies the style of creative expression that has defined Vans for generations. The latest footwear and apparel collection from Anderson is inspired by heritage, creativity, and uplifting his community. In celebration of his unique style and successful past Vans collaborations, both teams are excited to support this continued creative partnership and debut this campaign that hits close to home.”
The collection’s star print doesn’t miss a beat on the footwear rollout, surfacing on the Authentic and Anderson’s signature EPaak Sport sneaker. Then there’s the Old Skool 36 DX and its paisley-printed corduroy lining — a flip to the partnership’s 2020 Old Skools. Anderson rounds off the sneakers with “Sick Vibes” (literally), as each shoe totes the phrase on the outsole. On the sneakers’ tongues, you’ll find the artist’s APESHIT record label branding or a Victorian-style portrait painting, sealing the deal on the Anderson vibe check.
The partnership is a full-circle moment for the artist as he worked at a Vans store when he was younger and making his way into the music industry. “Vans was super patient with me on this one,” Anderson .Paak shared. “We met every week in Malibu and designed these shoes in the California sunshine. This is my best drop yet and I’m so proud of what we’ve come up with!” Now, young and old Anderson fans can embody the singer’s retro aesthetic.
The Anderson .Paak x Vans Vanderson collection rolls in at Vans’ online and select physical stores starting on June 24 in full family sizing.
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Photo Credit: Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock.com