Vans Recruits Little Simz, Creatives for Launch of Knu Skool

Vans has come out with an inspiring creative campaign for 2023 titled “This is Off The Wall” to celebrate the skater brand’s array of newly chosen ambassadors.  

The “This is Off The Wall” campaign kicked off with a bold 30-second spot directed by Will Dohrn. “How do you explain style?” asks UK rap star Little Simz as the spot begins. By using multi-layered VFX and in-camera distortion, Dohrn brings the Vans ambassadors’ journeys to life.  

The campaign features Little Simz, blogger Irene Kim, music director Arthur Bray, poet Salome Agbaroji and skateboarders Beatrice Domond, Felipe Nunes and Cocona Hiraki. Chosen as Vans’ new ambassadors, they all represent the journey toward authenticity, self-discovery and creative expression.   

“I wanted the film to feel reminiscent of classic old skate videos and utilize VFX elements to make it fresh and contemporary. Ultimately, it’s a subtle nod to the homemade, DIY, punk aesthetic that Vans was born out of,” said director Will Dohrn for the campaign’s release. 

Perfectly timed with the release of the “This is Off the Wall,” Vans has revealed a new version of the iconic Vans Old Skool sneaker silhouette, now called Vans Knu Skool.

The modernized product design of the classic 90s skater shoe features a swollen tongue, ankle collar and a larger version of the brand’s iconic Sidestripe.  

The release of the Knu Skool model as well as the dynamic campaign is a reminder of why a brand like Vans still steals the show, even 56 years after it was founded.