Vans Unveils the Old Skool 36 FM

Debuting during Milan Design Week as part of an installation designed by Willo Perron titled 'CHECKERED FUTURE: FREQUENCY MANIFEST,' the event featured musical performances by Björk, Vegyn, and Evissimax.

Vans highlights its commitment to design, art, and music during Milan Design Week with the launch of the Old Skool 36 FM through its OTW by Vans line. The iconic Old Skool, reimagined with design elements inspired by signatures of sound, made its debut in the immersive installation, "CHECKERED FUTURE: FREQUENCY MANIFEST," held at the prestigious Triennale Milano. Designed by Willo Perron, with sound by Tim Hecker, the experience seamlessly transported guests from Vans storied past to a visionary future, highlighting the brand's global influence and dedication to innovation at the intersection of culture and industry.

“CHECKERED FUTURE: FREQUENCY MANIFEST”  installation explores the visual architecture of sound through the physical manifestation of invisible elements: frequencies, waves, and vibrations. These elements served as direct inspirations for the creation of the Old Skool 36 FM. Extending into the Triennale garden, the project merges the site’s architectural history with a synthetic and communal experience. The grand balcony transformed into a ceremonial stage for performances by Björk, Vegyn, and Evissimax, with a monumental checkerboard motif realized in a series of mirrored panels framing the crowd below. 

The Old Skool 36 FM introduces a bold reimagination of the Old Skool (originally Style 36), Vans’ second-ever skate shoe and the first to feature the iconic Sidestripe, a symbol synonymous with both the design legacy of Vans and popular culture. As the debut release in OTW’s 'Future Make' series, it pushes the boundaries of innovation through progressive design, advanced construction, and modern materiality, blending past inspirations with future aspirations.

Showcasing a modern reinterpretation of the iconic waffle pattern, the Old Skool 36 FM features a componentized cupsole construction, a lofted engineered-knit upper and tongue, and a striking 3D-injected TPU structural side stripe. Enhanced by Vans’ proprietary Sola Foam ADC insole and EVA Strobel construction, it delivers exceptional comfort and a premium feel. This is a bold, future forward evolution of the original.

The "CHECKERED FUTURE: FREQUENCY MANIFEST" installation featured at the Triennale Milano builds on Vans’ recent global activations, including the June 2024 Skate Installation beneath Paris’ Sacré Coeur de Montmartre and a collaboration with Sterling Ruby’s S.R.STUDIO. LA. CA. at Frieze Los Angeles. OTW’s debut at Paris Fashion Week Men’s in June 2023 on the River Seine further exemplifies its commitment to merging skateboarding with cultural elements. These moments reflect OTW by Vans’ ongoing mission to curate visionary experiences and redefine boundaries in product design and brand storytelling.