Vans Old Skool 36 “Souvenir” Release: A Luxe Skate Sneaker Inspired by Chanel’s Iconic Graffiti Bag

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • The Vans Old Skool 36 “Souvenir” releases on July 31, 2025, blending skatewear with high fashion at $125 USD.
  • Inspired by Chanel’s 2014 Graffiti Messenger Bag, it features distressed canvas, leather overlays, tweed accents, and Vans pins.
  • The sneaker exemplifies the intersection of skate culture and luxury fashion, emphasizing innovation within classic designs.
  • Available through Vans.com and select retail locations, with a style code VN000D9RENB and warm brown colorway.
  • This drop highlights how skate brands incorporate high-fashion elements while maintaining street credibility.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Design Elements Inspired by Chanel

Positioning in Fashion and Skate Culture

Release Details

Why This Matters

FAQ

Sources

Introduction

The Vans Old Skool 36 “Souvenir” drops on July 31, 2025, blending skate culture with high-fashion inspiration in a highly anticipated release priced at $125 USD. This unique sneaker reimagines Vans’ classic Old Skool 36 silhouette with design cues drawn from Chanel’s coveted 2014 Graffiti Messenger Bag, fusing streetwear rebelliousness with luxury aesthetics [0] [1] [2].

Design Elements Inspired by Chanel

The standout feature of the Vans Old Skool 36 “Souvenir” is its vivid homage to Chanel’s Graffiti Messenger Bag from the Spring/Summer 2015 runway [4]. The sneaker’s upper uses distressed canvas with spray effects mimicking the chaotic graffiti of the bag. Warm brown leather overlays at the toe, heel, and eyestays evoke a vintage-worn aesthetic. Multicolor tweed Jazz strips along the sides and tongue lining bring texture inspired by Chanel’s signature tweed fabric. Vans-themed pins attached to the upper add collectibility, grounding the design in Vans’ heritage. Inside, a deep purple sockliner enhances the luxurious feel. The midsoles are finished in dirtied off-white to simulate worn-in wear [2].

Positioning in Fashion and Skate Culture

This release, part of Vans’ OTW line, showcases a convergence of skateboarding’s DIY ethos and haute couture’s statement pieces [2]. The collaboration signifies a trend where streetwear brands nod to luxury fashion while maintaining their core identity. The “Souvenir” sneaker is a high-end, experimental design that elevates the skate silhouette without diluting Vans’ heritage. It also taps into the growing market for collectible, themed footwear that offers authenticity and exclusivity.

Release Details

  • Release Date: July 31, 2025, at 9 AM ET
  • Price: $125 USD
  • Where to Buy: Available through Vans.com and select Vans Vault retailers and premium boutiques
  • Style Code: VN000D9RENB
  • Colorway: Warm Brown with multicolor tweed and leather accents

Why This Matters

The Vans Old Skool 36 “Souvenir” exemplifies how legacy skate brands can innovate by incorporating high fashion inspirations without losing their street credibility. For sneaker collectors and fashion followers, this drop is a statement piece that bridges niche communities—skateboarding, luxury fashion, and street style. Vans’ ongoing experimentation with heritage designs like the Old Skool 36, combined with the “Souvenir” story, honors and challenges the boundaries of sneaker culture.

FAQ

When does the Vans Old Skool 36 “Souvenir” release?

It releases on July 31, 2025, at 9 AM ET through Vans.com and select retailers.

What is the price of the sneaker?

$125 USD.

Where can I buy the Vans Old Skool 36 “Souvenir”?

Through Vans.com and select Vans Vault retailers and boutiques.

What design inspirations does the sneaker feature?

It draws from Chanel’s Graffiti Messenger Bag, incorporating distressed canvas, leather overlays, tweed accents, and Vans pins.

Sources