STORY OF “OLD MEETS KNU”: THE BEAUTY OF CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY STYLE INTERSECTION

“Old Meets Knu” is a unique and meaningful campaign by Vans to honor sustainable design thinking, bringing forth timeless heritage. In this campaign, the “Sidestripe logo” – an iconic symbol of Vans – serves as evidence of the intersection, inheritance, and development across past, present, and future.

To deeply understand and fully appreciate the message that Vans wants to convey this time, let’s go back to 1977 when the Vans Old Skool was first introduced. This classic pair of shoes, with its prominent Sidestripe, has become an icon not only in the skateboarding community but also in music, art, and fashion circles. The Old Skool has been associated with street skateboarders, punk artists, and even legends of the painting, fashion, and hip-hop industries. It can be said that this has always been the suitable footwear for creatives in all fields, expressing their unique styles. To this day, the Old Skool continues to evolve through changes in colors, materials, and innovative styles in Vans’ collections.

As for the “younger sibling” Vans Knu Skool – with its “puffy, airy” appearance inspired by and redesigned based on the classic model of the Old Skool from the 1997s. With the idea of bringing back the skateboarding style of the 90s as a precursor to the “puffy” shoe trend, Vans introduced the 3D version of the Old Skool Sidestripe™ logo, enlarged and thickened shoe tongues, along with other features, providing a fluffy and comfortable feel, while also balancing visual aspects of the overall product.

In the framework of this “Old Meets Knu” campaign, to fully convey the message, Vans  has collaborated with two Rockers deeply imbued with the “Off The Wall” spirit of freedom, openness, creativity, and willingness to break boundaries: Huynh Hoang Huy (a member of District 105 Band) and Le Vo Dinh Tuan a.k.a Chuot Sam Set. These two Rockers represent two generations, different Rock genres, and are symbolic of the heritage and innovation of Old Skool and Knu Skool.

If Huynh Huy’s music genre is hardcore/metalcore, characterized by loud guitar riffs, strong rhythms, dense bass and drums, amplified distorted sounds, along with a somewhat selective audience. Then the rock pursued by Tuấn Lê (Chuột Sấm Sét) is somewhat more humorous, closer to the public. Despite their differences, both are individuals who dare to transcend boundaries, norms, and standards to create and express themselves in the music they are passionate about. Interestingly, although they pursue different Rock genres, they still share a deep connection through their thinking, vision, and passion for Rock music in particular and music in general. Both left positive impressions and feelings for each other after their meeting, inspiring each other in music and life.

Both Huy and Chuột expressed their interest in the “Old Meets Knu” message that Vans brings this time, as it highlights the value of combining classic and contemporary styles, as well as inspiring young people: From tradition, classics are not afraid to innovate and explode to bring about new things.

The Knu Skool Brown/White color scheme, with its predominant brown tone and familiar “puffy” style, brings retro beauty reversing time with the 90s trend that is currently popular.

The Vans Knu Skool Retro True White with a more modern color scheme, suitable for minimalistic fashion, can be emphasized with standout accessories to add a breakthrough to the safe zone that minimalist style brings.

Finally, the Vans Knu Skool Pink released in a limited quantity of just over 80 pairs in the world. This White-Pink Unisex option will be a priority choice for unique outfit combinations, ready to match any outfit.

Vans Knu Skool and Old Skool Classic are now available at Vans stores nationwide, websites, and high-end Sneaker Buzz partner systems.