OTW by Vans introduces its fourth collaboration with Gallery Dept., bringing fresh energy to the classic Authentic. The project centers on the creative world of Josué Thomas, whose work as an artist and designer fuels Gallery Dept.’s identity. He uses the Authentic, Vans’ original Style 44, as a base for a color-soaked interpretation drawn directly from his studio environment.
SNEAKERS
The OTW by Vans x Gallery Dept. Authentic Reissue 44 edition carries vivid paint splatters that trace Thomas’ hands-on process. Each mark gives the shoe a raw, expressive surface that mirrors the layers of his daily practice. The upper reads like a working canvas, with unexpected bursts of color that reflect the patterns of his studio sessions. The collaboration reinterprets the Authentic’s familiar lines through an approach guided by artistic instinct.
“Art That Kills” screenprinting wraps the sidewalls and reinforces Gallery Dept.’s graphic language. The phrase acts as a signature within Thomas’ body of work and adds clear visual weight to the shoe. The print sits in contrast to the spontaneous quality of the paint, giving the design a balance between controlled gesture and freeform application.
The OTW by Vans x Gallery Dept. Authentic Reissue 44 launches on December 11 through vans.com/otw and select partners.
