VANS AND GALLERY DEPT. RELEASE PAINTED AUTHENTIC 44

OTW by Vans

OTW by Vans

OTW by Vans

OTW by Vans

OTW by Vans

OTW by Vans

OTW by Vans

OTW by Vans

Summary:

• Vans partners with Los Angeles brand Gallery Dept. for an Authentic 44 sneaker with hand-painted details
• Each shoe features paint drips on the toe and grease marks on the upper, with "Art That Kills" text on the side
• The shoes go on sale December 11 through vans.com/otw and select retailers worldwide

The OTW by Vans division has partnered with Gallery Dept. on a new version of the Authentic 44 sneaker. The shoes feature a design inspired by the workspace of a painter.

Gallery Dept., founded by artist and designer Josué Thomas, operates from Los Angeles. The brand produces unisex clothing and focuses on reinterpreting existing designs through its own lens. Thomas established the company with retail, design, production, and branding operations all housed in one central location.

The Authentic 44 collaboration shows Gallery Dept.'s approach to reworking familiar products. Each pair includes painted elements applied by hand. Paint drips appear on the toe area of the shoe. Grease marks add texture to the upper sections and side edges.

The design leaves the heel and side panels clean. This creates contrast with the painted sections. Text reading "Art That Kills" wraps around the side of the sole. The phrase reflects the artistic direction Gallery Dept. brings to the project.

OTW by Vans operates as the brand's platform for working with creators from different fields. The division focuses on projects that connect skateboarding culture with art, fashion, design, and entertainment. Previous OTW collaborations have involved people and brands from these various areas.

The painted aesthetic on these shoes references the raw quality of studio work. Drips, marks, and imperfections become part of the final product. This approach differs from standard sneaker production, where uniformity typically matters more than variation between pairs.

Gallery Dept. positions its work around three principles: collaboration, creation, and rebellion. The brand states that quality and artistic integrity remain central to its output. Each product aims to offer something distinct from typical retail offerings.

The collaboration between Vans and Gallery Dept. brings together two different perspectives on design. Vans has produced skateboarding shoes since 1966. Gallery Dept. emerged more recently as a brand focused on unique, handmade approaches to clothing and accessories.

The Authentic 44 silhouette provides the base for this project. Vans has used this model for various collaborations over the years. The shoe's simple construction makes it suitable for customization and reinterpretation.

Sales begin December 11 through the OTW by Vans website. Select OTW by Vans retailers will stock the shoes. Gallery Dept. retail locations worldwide will also carry the collaboration.

The project adds to the ongoing relationship between footwear brands and contemporary art practices. Several sneaker companies have worked with artists and art-focused brands on limited releases. These projects often explore how mass-produced items intersect with individual artistic expression.

Gallery Dept.'s headquarters in Los Angeles serves as both a retail space and a production facility. This setup allows the brand to control multiple aspects of its operations. The company handles design development, manufacturing processes, and brand presentation from the same location.

The "Art That Kills" phrase on the shoes refers to the direct nature of artistic work. The text placement on the sole makes it visible when the shoes are worn. This detail adds another layer to the overall design concept.

OTW by Vans continues to position itself as a space for experimental projects within the larger Vans organization. The division works with a curated group of retail partners rather than distributing through all standard Vans channels. This selective approach allows OTW to maintain a different market position from the main Vans line.