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Vans OTW Cranks the BPM With the Old Skool 36 FM During Milan Design Week

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The loud, rhythmic thud of a skateboard hitting concrete, the sharp clink-clank and piercing screech of metal during a railslide – these are the dynamic sounds that come with skating. The Old Skool 36 FM aims to replicate this sonic boom from the ground up. As Vans OTW’s first Future Make product, it focuses on a design that is both technical and breathable, replacing its traditional canvas upper with a mesh-like knit material and using advanced 3D-injected TPU molding for the iconic side stripe. To introduce this new silhouette to the world, Vans collaborated with multidisciplinary artist Willo Perron and audio designer Tim Hecker on an installation that interprets sound frequencies through a visual perspective.

The debut of “CHECKERED FUTURE: FREQUENCY MANIFEST” took place during Milan Design Week‘s peak at the prestigious Triennale Milano. Perron and Hecker, frequent collaborators, designed an imagery of a soundscape paneled system that gathered and mirrored sound vibrations. Visitors were strategically positioned on industrial platforms, making them susceptible to this immersive sonic encounter.

During our discussion with TopMob, Perron explained their thought process which oscillated between designing something ominous to something joyful and comforting. Initially, they pondered over the question, “What visual representation does sound take?” – an elusive entity that stirs us emotionally. In architectural terms, they envisioned a space that would adapt based on varying sound frequencies. This is essentially the progression of the checkerboard concept, moving from a two-dimensional grid to a three-dimensional scale in response to high and low tones. Additionally, they delved into the reasons behind our simplistic connections with certain sounds. For instance, I associate a high pitch with upward motion, so their design process involved creating a musical score that encapsulates these deeply human, intangible feelings.

In this echoing clamor, a chilling, catastrophic feeling envelops you, until Hecker’s hypnotic sound vibration softens into a comforting hush, with beams of pure light descending from above to alleviate your anxiety. Afterward, quietness. It’s a new beginning. Vans has captured this transformation through an authentic platform, rooted in its history and the cultures that catapulted the brand into the limelight.

For Dylan Petrenka, Design Director at OTW by Vans (Pinnacle), music serves as a unifying thread linking the Old Skool 36 FM to Vans’ rich history, even though it represents a significant shift from the traditional canvas design. As he shares with TopMob, Thursday at 9:00 PM West Coast is his most cherished time of the week, as this is when all the fresh music drops. Vans has consistently supported and embraced the subcultures that drive this music scene, and in doing so, their influence has shaped our collective journey and unique identities.

In a technical perspective, Petrenka views the shoe as an artistic channel for the brand’s ethos, reinforcing its dedication to craftsmanship and robustness. This reflects Vans’ roots as a rubber manufacturer, symbolizing their history with the Style 36 from 1977 and the introduction of the side stripe as a mark of resilience. The design team aimed to express this heritage in a fresh manner and revamp the idea of a side strip by incorporating it into the lacing system. The cupsole boasts an internal structure that mirrors these flex grooves, resembling FM sound waves. This quote by DJ Shadow encapsulates the concept: ‘The music’s coming through me.’ We deliberately kept the shoe in one color to emphasize its internal components. Lastly, stitch lines on the outsole can be removed and discarded or upcycled at the consumer’s discretion, giving them control over the product’s end-of-life process.

In conversation with Ian Ginoza, Vice President and Creative Director at Vans OTW, innovation and forward-thinking design are key elements of their mission for Future Make. He likens it to the automotive industry creating concept cars, where they reinterpret and reimagine classic franchises for a fresh take on what these timeless icons could become. This is precisely what Future Make achieves, presenting a novel viewpoint and fresh lens on what the traditional Vans “old school” style represents and can transform into.

In the future, Make intends to redefine Vans’ aesthetic and spark fresh timeless pieces; it also serves as a platform for the brand to renew its dedication to art and partnerships as a means of revolutionary creative self-expression. As Ginoza explains, this installation is designed specifically for OTW, inviting individuals to discover a unique space that still resonates with their personal identity. In essence, those who are open to challenging themselves, exploring new realms with stylish ingenuity and continuous advancement are the ideal fit for OTW. This spirit encapsulates the core values of skateboarding: progression and movement.

Vans hosted a private farewell event for CHECKERED FUTURE, wrapping up on April 13. Friends of the brand and media were invited to the exclusive Trattoria del Pescatore, famed for securing the finest produce from top markets in the city. Following this, a private gathering unfolded in the verdant garden of Triennale Milano, featuring illuminated checkered scaffolding that accentuated the museum’s exterior and an impromptu stage, creating quite a stir near the Sforza Castle.

From above the VIP area, Björk seems to drift like a celestial being, rapidly increasing beats akin to the pace of light, while Milan’s stylish youngsters dance near the metal railings, hoping for a chance at the free bar and eye-catching seats. The night is still fresh, illuminated by a full moon, and the music by English producer Vegyn and Italian-Nigerian DJ Evissimax keeps the atmosphere pulsating.

In Milan, Vans offers a house for the youth and a space for them to dance – contrastingly, in LA, one finds chaotic mosh pits filled with punk rock and alternative hip-hop music. For On The Wall (OTW), it’s all part of the same wave, a generational DNA weaving its way through the very essence of culture. Every great tale continues to evolve – from the rhythmic thump of skateboarding to the distant whispers of Björk in our collective memory.

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2025-04-11 23:56

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