OTW by Vans Launches Its First Collection With Julian Klincewicz on May 15

Action sports footwear and apparel brand Vans has announced the launch of a new collection from OTW by Vans, the brand’s premium line symbolizing Vans’ evolution. The collection marks Vans’ fourth collaboration with Los Angeles-based multimedia artist Julian Klincewicz and the first collection released under OTW by Vans. It will go on sale from Friday, May 15, 2026. The collection is built around “The Joyous Chorus,” a world shaped by Julian’s daily sketches, textures, and personal symbols. The phrase reflects his memories of the communities and people he encountered after moving to San Diego as a child. The lineup reworks classic Vans silhouettes and also includes apparel and accessories featuring hand-drawn artwork and signature details. The footwear is based on Vans archival models Old Skool 36 and Style 31, blending rich materials with artistic details inspired by Julian’s memories and motifs. Both models feature suede overlays and leather details, along with custom labels incorporating road sketches drawn in Julian’s daily to-do lists, a practice he has continued for 11 years. Each pair also comes with a custom charm inspired by his dog, Roo. The shoes feature Sola Foam ADC insoles for enhanced cushioning, “Joyous Chorus” branding, OTW heel scabs, and waffle outsoles. The Old Skool 36 will be available in Ivy Green and Mango Mojito Orange, while the Style 31 will be offered in India Ink/Black. The collection will be available through the Vans official online store, Vans Store Shibuya PARCO, and authorized OTW by Vans retailers. Stockists include the Vans official online store, Vans Store Shibuya PARCO, BILLY’S Shibuya and its official online store, Dover Street Market Ginza, GR8, and mita sneakers. Julian Klincewicz said the collaboration was strongly influenced by early Southern California culture, including skating, the circus, music, new friendships, the sun, and the beach. Having moved to San Diego around age seven, he says those memories still carry a child’s point of view. He incorporated playful colors, rough sketches, and the feeling of long summer days spent at skate parks throughout the collection. When designing, he constantly imagined the products in a worn-in state, including holes from skating and adventures, discoloration from puddles, and pen-drawn scribbles. He said what he loves about Vans is that they gain more personality and charm the more they are worn, retaining a tool-like quality that is often lost with age. With this collection, he aimed to create products that become more complete through wear. Julian Klincewicz is a contemporary artist, director, photographer, and musician born in Chicago in 1995 and based in Los Angeles. His experience growing up in San Diego’s skate scene has strongly influenced his multifaceted creative approach. Known for rich textures and vivid color sensibility, his work explores humanity and connection through dreamlike video, photography, and music, forming a layered artistic ecosystem. He has collaborated with leading artists and brands including Virgil Abloh, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Louis Vuitton, Steve Lacy, and Tame Impala, and has exhibited at Foundation Louis Vuitton, The San Diego Art Institute in California, and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. OTW by Vans is Vans’ progressive premium line celebrating skateboarding’s trajectory and its influence across cultures. Working with innovators in skateboarding, art, fashion, design, and entertainment, it expands the boundaries of product design and brand experience. Vans, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, was founded in Anaheim, California in 1966 and is sold in more than 100 countries and regions as an original action sports footwear, apparel, and accessories brand. Vans supports everyone who embodies the free-spirited “Off The Wall” mindset, promotes creative self-expression in action sports, art, music, and street culture, and continues to develop innovative platforms such as Vans Pipe Masters and House Of Vans.