If there was any question about SZA’s superstar status, her new collaboration with Vans is cementing her as one of this generation’s biggest stars. The first drop from the Vansza collection was released on Thursday, and ahead of the launch, the R&B singer, who is the brand’s first artistic director, headed to her home state of New Jersey for a meet-and-greet with fans at the Foot Locker inside the Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold and it was pure pandemonium.
Hundreds of fans lined up outside and inside the shopping center for a chance to purchase the collection early, but also to get their eyes on the singer, have the opportunity to meet her and pose for a photo with her.
One of SZA‘s fans, Bianca Etheredge, shared countless updates from the event on her TikTok account @damnibebored. Her clips showed just how hectic it was as the crowds gathered outside of the mall and in front of the store as the “Kill Bill” singer made her way through the throes of fans who were eager to see her.
Another fan with the TikTok username @mr.olen.a shared another angle from the event as SZA and her team maneuvered through the crowd. Fans surrounded the singer as she posed for photos and selfies with them on her way to the store.
The fans who were in line were given free pizza as a consolation for the long wait. In one video, SZA made an announcement saying that she would be continuing the meet-and-greets outside in the parking lot since the mall closed at 8 p.m.
This is the Grammy’s second special in-store appearance in support of the new release. She met up with fans at the Vans Glendale Galleria in California on Oct. 17, and that event had a similar turnout as the one in New Jersey.
Some collaborations between brands and celebrities just make sense, and the new shoe designs and the apparel feature elements that are true to the singer’s personality and taste. At the center of the first drop is the black and white Vansza Knu Skool Mule. The shoe transforms one of SZA’s favorite Vans styles through an easy-on mule construction.
The Vansza Authentic Kickdown sneaker combines custom fish artwork by Sage Adams, distressed canvas and a collapsible heel for easy on-and-off wear. The collapsible heel design approach was born from SZA’s lifelong habit of stepping on the backs of her shoes and transforming that behavior into a functional feature. The first drop of the Vansza collection is available now at Vans retail locations, Foot Locker and on Vans.com.