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Vans is having a great 2026, and the Metagirl x Vans Premium Old Skool 36 “Diva” adds another strong project to that run.
The release brings together one of Vans’ most recognizable models with the design language of Caterina Mongillo, the Italian designer and artist behind Metagirl. Her work often takes familiar footwear shapes and pushes them into a more detailed, feminine, and expressive direction. That approach comes through clearly on this Old Skool 36.
The shoe keeps the classic Old Skool structure, but almost every detail has been reconsidered. The upper uses canvas as the base and adds snakeskin detailing throughout the design. A slanted snakeskin strap sits across the vamp, finished with rhinestone details and an oversized gold buckle covered with gemstones. Gold studs appear along the toe bumper and side of the shoe, while more studs are embedded into the foxing tape around the vamp.
The white Sidestripe is frayed at the edges, giving the shoe a rougher finish against the shine of the hardware. That contrast is one of the more important design choices on the pair. The shoe has glamour, but it does not feel overly polished. It still carries some of the rawness that works well on a Vans silhouette.
The release also includes a white Ruffle Knee High Sock, which supports the full visual direction of the collaboration. It gives the project more of a complete styling point of view rather than feeling like a single sneaker release with a few added details.
Caterina Mongillo, the Italian designer and artist behind Metagirl, described the shoe as a celebration of the feminine energy that exists in everyone, especially those that are often described as being “too much.” She also connected the design to her interest in discontinued 2010s brands, vintage accessories, gold rings, belt buckles, and small details that feel personal. You can see that influence clearly in the shoe. It follows the same visual language Mongillo has been building across her custom work and previous collaborations.
The choice of the Old Skool for this project makes sense. The silhouette is simple enough to handle a heavy design treatment, but it is recognizable enough that the changes feel noticeable right away. Vans classics have always worked well as a blank canvas because the shapes are familiar.
For Vans, this continues a strong stretch of projects. The brand has been getting the love they have deserved for a long time, and 2026 has shown how much room still exists for Vans to be part of the larger sneaker conversation. Vans has history, but the current work has also been strong on its own.
The Metagirl x Vans Premium Old Skool 36 “Diva” fits into this current moment. It is a bold take on a classic shoe, but it still feels connected to both brands involved. Vans brings the silhouette and the heritage. Metagirl brings the attitude, detail, and visual language.
The result is a release that should connect with people who want something expressive without losing the familiarity of a classic Vans model.
The Metagirl x Vans Premium Old Skool 36 “Diva” drops May 28th on Vans.com, metagirlstudio.com (11am ET), and at select retailers. Check them out below.
Metagirl x Vans Old Skool 36 “Diva”
Color: MetaGirl Black / Blanc De Blanc White
Style Code: VN000ZAZHAB
Release Date: May 28, 2026
Price: $160 USD
Resell: StockX
