OTW by Vans x UNDERCOVER

OTW by Vans and UNDERCOVER debut Old Skool 36 and Era 95 Styles

2025-10-22

Close up of the OTW by Vans Undercover Old Skool in Black.

OTW by Vans has joined forces with UNDERCOVER. The collaboration blends Vans’ iconic silhouettes with UNDERCOVER’s distinctive vision, delivering technically crafted pairs. The OTW by Vans x UNDERCOVER Old Skool 36 celebrates Josep Baqué’s imaginary creatures drawings, while the Era 95 features embroidered Jack Russell Terriers, reminiscent of Jun Takahashi’s own and sketched by himself.

Josep Baqué (1895–1967), a Barcelona-born municipal police officer, lived a quiet, reclusive life while secretly creating a vast bestiary of over 1,500 intricate drawing. Beginning in the 1930s, he meticulously illustrated hybrid creatures—blending human and animal traits—using ink and gouache, sometimes embellished with gold and silver. His monsters, both grotesque and mesmerizing, ranged from primitive people and giant spiders to serpents, snails, and fantastical fish. He carefully categorized his 454 plates into nine thematic groups, storing them in a handmade case, yet he never sought recognition as an artist during his lifetime.

OTW by Vans Undercover Era shoe in red.
OTW by Vans Undercover Era shoe in white.

Baqué’s work remained hidden for nearly 40 years after his death, safeguarded by his niece. In 2007, his extraordinary creations were finally unveiled when the Collège de ‘Pataphysique exhibited 160 of his drawings and published an extensive feature in Viridis Candela. Today, his surreal, otherworldly bestiary stands as a testament to the power of solitary artistic vision, bridging the realms of the bizarre and the sublime.

OTW by Vans Undercover Old Skool in black.
OTW by Vans Undercover Old Skool in white.

OTW by Vans x UNDERCOVER is available from October 29 on vans.com/otw and retails for 120/135 USD.

UNDERCOVER Collection

OTW by Vans Undercover Old Skool in black.
OTW by Vans Undercover Old Skool in white.
OTW by Vans Undercover Era in red.
OTW by Vans Undercover Era in white.

About OTW by Vans

OTW by Vans is the most aspirational expression of Vans rooted in celebrating skateboarding’s impact on culture. OTW by Vans pushes the boundaries of product design and brand experiences with innovators from skateboarding, art, fashion, design, and entertainment. OTW by Vans products are sold through a curated selection of global wholesale partners and at vans.com/otw.

@otwbyvans

 

About UNDERCOVER

Founded by designer Jun Takahashi in 1990, UNDERCOVER gained popularity in the underground Tokyo scene for its unique fusion of street fashion, art, and music subcultures. The brand later expanded into high-end fashion and presents collections at Paris Fashion Week. Over the last 30+ years, Undercover has achieved global recognition and maintained strong acclaim among fashionistas by always keeping a unique view of the world at its core. www.undercoverism.com

@undercover_lab

Collections Behind the Drop


Old Skool - The icon with the stripe.

The first to bear the Sidestripe, the Old Skool is Vans’ hallmark of skate heritage and lasting style.

Era - The original made by skaters.

The first shoe designed by skateboarders, the Era brought comfort and control to the session.