Vans Debuts New Release of Premium Old Skool Pearlized at ComplexCon 2025

ComplexCon, held October 25–26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the epicenter of youth culture. The annual festival blends streetwear, music, art, and food into a high-energy marketplace of ideas and limited drops. 

The festival-meets-exhibition experience is curated by Complex, the leading platform for global youth culture. The event brings together the most influential voices in music, fashion, sneakers, art, food, and innovation for a weekend of immersive experiences, exclusive product drops, and cultural conversation.

This year’s creative direction was led by Daniel Arsham, whose signature blend of sculpture, architecture, and film shaped the visual identity of the show. Arsham also debuted exclusive merchandise and installations, adding a high-art layer to the streetwear-driven atmosphere. 

Attendees explored a curated marketplace, caught live music performances and engaged with brand activations that blurred the lines between commerce and culture. With its mix of festival energy and exhibition depth, ComplexCon continues to be the epicenter of convergence culture. 

This year, Vans returned to ComplexCon with something special: introducing the Premium Old Skool Pearlized shoes in an exclusive early release. The activation featured a pop-up where attendees could clutch their pearls (literally!) with a limited release of two luxe colorways. 

While the OTW by Vans X Satoshi Nakamoto Old Skool 36 still commands top-tier attention on resale platforms, its inline iterations have carved out their own cult status. Now, two fresh expressions arrived on scene.

Two new variations of Premium Old Skool Pearlized shoes, with a pink version leaning into a nostalgic, punk-inspired palette with black paneling and contrast stitching and a white pair keeping things crisp and clean, punctuated only by a black stripe in the sole. Both pairs channel a vintage aesthetic with pre-scuffed midsoles and distressed laces, nodding to the well-worn charm of skate culture. 

If you loved what you saw at ComplexCon, stay tuned. The Premium Old Skool Pearlized shoe will be available in November on vans.com, in Vans retail stores, and exclusive partner stores.