Valentino Garavani has partnered with Vans to launch an exclusive sneaker collaboration that not only merges couture with skatewear but also pushes creative boundaries through a fully AI-generated campaign. This collection reimagines the iconic Vans Authentic silhouette, originally introduced in 1966, through the inventive lens of Valentino’s creative director, Alessandro Michele. The campaign’s visuals were created entirely with artificial intelligence, using original footage from Valentino’s Le Méta Théâtre Des Intimités Fall/Winter 2025-26 show in Paris as a starting point. Valentino emphasised that the imagery was generated with the informed consent of all models and talents involved, reflecting a careful approach to the ethical use of AI in fashion.

The campaign video unfolds with a striking black-and-white sequence set inside a tiled bathroom, quickly giving way to vibrant colours as models showcase the sneakers against bold red tiles. The scene then shifts surrealistically to a beach setting, juxtaposing urban and natural environments to highlight the versatility and style of the collection. This innovative use of AI signifies how established fashion houses are increasingly adopting emerging technologies to enhance storytelling and reinforce brand identity in an evolving digital landscape.

The collection itself consists of six variations for both men and women, featuring sturdy canvas uppers adorned with technicolour prints, co-branded insoles, and packaging that melds Vans’ signature checkerboard motif with Valentino’s distinctive VLogo Signature. Notably, the range includes a playful Le Chat de la Maison edition, which is exclusively available at Valentino boutiques, Valentino.com, and the Vans flagship store on Oxford Street in London. The sneaker collection became available on Valentino’s online store immediately and is set to launch at Valentino boutiques worldwide, Vans.com, and the London flagship on 19 September.

This collaboration is significant for merging the streetwear heritage of Vans with Valentino’s luxury sensibility, amplified through the pioneering use of AI-generated media. Such a union represents a broader trend within the fashion industry where creative innovation meets technological advancement. However, the adoption of AI in fashion remains contentious. For instance, earlier in 2025, an AI-generated model featured in a Guess advertisement in Vogue sparked backlash on social media. Critics expressed disappointment that AI was sidelining real models, raising complex questions about creativity, labour, and representation within the industry. The Guess campaign, produced by the AI-driven creative studio Seraphinne Vallora, aimed to democratise high-fashion visuals using AI but instead intensified debate over authenticity and ethical boundaries.

Despite these concerns, Valentino’s collaboration with Vans stands as a bold example of how luxury brands can integrate artificial intelligence responsibly into their marketing and product storytelling. By using AI to reinterpret classic silhouettes and design innovative campaigns, the partnership illustrates a future where technology and craftsmanship coalesce. As the fashion world continues to explore new ways of creative expression, the Valentino x Vans project may well mark a turning point for how brands engage with digital innovation while respecting artistic integrity and ethical considerations.

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Source: Noah Wire Services