Quick Facts
- Atiba Jefferson has always shown how cultures can blend into one, and his Vans collection is a perfect example.
- The Atiba Jefferson x OTW by Vans Authentic is a trip into Jefferson’s career in photography, featuring photos of skate legend John Cardiel and Turnstile bassist Franz Lyons.
- The Atiba Jefferson x OTW by Vans Authentic will be released September 18, 2025.
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When skate photographer and professional cool guy Atiba Jefferson was announced as a Brand Curator by Vans, the expectations were high. A staff photographer at Thrasher, longtime SLAM shooter, and music industry head, not to mention Supreme and Baker family member, Jefferson has had his finger on the pulse of culture for decades. Atiba has always shown how cultures can blend into one, and his Vans collection is a perfect example.
The Atiba Jefferson x OTW by Vans Authentic is a trip into Jefferson’s career in photography, covering every inch of the Authentic in black and white photos, with one shoe showing iconic skater John Cardiel mid-kickflip and the other showing Turnstile bassist Franz Lyons mid-front flip stage dive. The photos are printed all over the shoes, including the side walls, insole, and outsole, creating a black and white newspaper print look from afar, with the photos becoming clearer the closer you get. The box is also black and white, with each photo splitting half the box.
We saw the first shoe in the Atiba Jefferson x Vans collection at the beginning of the month, but instead of leaning into Jefferson’s photo work, the Old Skool was built for skating instead, with bright orange monochrome suede. Still, the insoles of that shoe feature a different photo of Cardiel, bringing the collection back together.
The Atiba Jefferson x OTW by Vans Authentic will be released September 18, 2025 through Vans and select retailers in-store and online. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price hasn’t been announced yet. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
