IN A NUTSHELL
- Vans and Sportscene hosted a night of Authentically Forward experience in Joburg
- The event celebrated 60 years of the iconic Vans Authentic through music, art and customization
- The experience brought together artists, creators and tastemakers
Retail spaces are becoming much more than places to shop, and the latest collab between Vans and Sportscene proved exactly that.
To celebrate Vans’ Authentically Forward campaign and the 60 year legacy of the iconic Authentic silhouette, the two brands brought together South Africa’s creatives, tastemakers and music lovers for an immersive one night experience at Sportscene Sandton City.
Dubbed Sportscene Goes Off The Wall, the event reimagined the retail environment as a creative playground where fashion, music, art and community collided.
At the heart of the celebration was the Vans Authentic, a silhouette that has become synonymous with individuality and self expression across generations. Rather than simply showcasing the shoe, guests were invited to make it their own.
Artist Tiisetso Molobi led live sneaker customization sessions, transforming every pair into a unique work of art. That same spirit of creativity extended to beauty through Vans inspired nail art by Senpai Nails, while food from &Fries kept the energy flowing throughout the evening.
Every corner of the space reflected Vans’ deep connection to music culture, drawing inspiration from the brand’s legendary 1966 House and blurring the boundaries between retail, live performance and artistic expression.
The soundtrack for the night came from some of South Africa’s most exciting artists. Muzi delivered an interactive performance that dissolved the line between artist and audience, while Club Valley brought their signature sound to the stage. The lineup was completed by K.Keed, with DJ sets from Slow Poison and Baby Whitz keeping the crowd moving.
More than a celebration of a sneaker, the evening reflected what Vans has stood for over the past six decades, championing creativity, individuality and the communities that continue to shape culture.
