The New Drop Extends the Collaboration with the L.A.-Based Artist
OTW by Vans has partnered once again with artist Sterling Ruby to release a second collaborative collection with S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA. The seven-piece collection, featuring both footwear and apparel, builds on the themes and color palettes of the first release from earlier this year, expanding Ruby’s artistic vision through new designs.
This latest collaboration transitions from the neon green and orange hues of the inaugural drop to deeper tones of green and gold, incorporating imagery inspired by Ruby’s fine art practice. Key motifs include decomposing jack-o-lanterns and monster claws, reflecting Ruby’s fascination with transformation and decay. “I’ve been photographing our family’s decomposing Jack O’Lanterns after Halloween for years. In an acceleration of life, they transform into fascinating abstractions. I love capturing these raw, unfiltered moments,” said Ruby.
The collection features four footwear silhouettes built on OTW Vibram soles: the Old Skool 36, the Sk8-Hi 38, and the Slip-On 98. Available in solid hues or adorned with the SR claw pattern in green and orange, the designs emphasize Vans’ commitment to premium craftsmanship. Each silhouette incorporates high-quality materials, including goatskin collar linings, glossy sidewalls, and American-grown cotton sourced from carbon-absorbing agricultural practices.
Marking the first apparel offering from the Vans and S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA. collaboration, the collection includes a t-shirt, long-sleeve tee, and hoodie. These pieces feature decomposing jack-o-lantern graphics, co-branded logos, and the phrase “ABSOLUTE CONTEMPT FOR TOTAL SERENITY,” referencing Ruby’s ACTS sculpture series.
The campaign, photographed by Nayquan Shuler, showcases punk rock band Mannequin Pussy performing their latest release, I Got Heaven, at The Beacham in Orlando, Florida, in October 2024. Ruby personally selected the band for the campaign, noting, “I’m a huge fan of Mannequin Pussy – their music is complex and multifaceted, they transition effortlessly from loud to soft, aggressive to melodic, pulling it all together seamlessly. I thought that they would embody the spirit of the collection in a perfect way.”
The OTW by Vans x S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA. collection will be available starting December 5, 2024 on otw.vans.com.
