We all remember those days, traversing the linoleum-tiled halls, searching for someone or something (anything at all!) that could give us some kind of direction. To one side, you saw the overly confident varsity leads futilely vying for the attention of the Regina Georges of the world––the Rachel McAdams kind, of course. On the other, you had the freaks, the geeks, and the downright non-discreet––you know, that one couple who proudly put the P in PDA. Everyone conglomerating in an adolescent mass, awkwardly trying to piece it all together. Looking back, you can’t help but smile––or cry a little—right?
Still, among the bumbling and beautiful disarray were the select few who stood out among the bunch—the ones who seemed to innately possess a grounding self-confidence candidly categorized as that IT factor. Praised for its effortless style and collected cool that spans generational lines, Vans knows what it means to own who you are. Launched in 1966 by Paul Van Doren, his brother James, and Gordon Lee, the iconic skate apparel brand was founded on the courage to break out of the mold and stand out—its classic “Off The Wall” tagline communicates this unwavering ethos.
Now, after over half a century of pushing both style and culture forward, Vans is looking toward the next generation of movers and shakers to help carry the torch, continuing its legacy of reshaping the standard through authentic expressions.
Styled in the latest colorways of its popular Knu Skool silhouette, Vans tapped a spirited group of eclectic overachievers diligently carving out their own lane with a unique panache. Uniting model turned mogul Lil Dallas Sessoms and multi-talented photographer Angella Choe with dreamy design maven Isabella LaLonde and front-page phenom Ralph Souffrant, Vans and Highsnobiety are proud to introduce its inaugural Knu Skool Class of 2024—a collection of faces putting everyone on notice that the next generation is poised to take over.
Get to know more about Vans’ class of transformative Knu Comers here:
The Class Rebel
'Lil Dallas' Sessoms
Lil DallasSTAY PURE
Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, 26-year-old Dallas Sessoms, known simply as Lil Dallas, admittedly doesn’t have all the answers, making it all the more intriguing to observe as he defies expectations—each time, setting a new bar for success.
Since making his unprecedented arrival in 2016, Dallas has become more than just a pretty face to shoot in photos. As the de facto “cool kid” of his generation, Dallas’s seemingly laid-back disposition acts as a sly feint for his calculated consciousness to surprise and captivate you.
As the founder of Big Texas Ent., a clothing brand turned creative incubator, the crafty wildcard maintains the “I’m going to do me, regardless” energy in all his undertakings—which seems to be a solid action plan thus far. Styled in the white suede edition of the Knu Skool Silhouette, the shoe introduces an off-kilter newness to a classic aesthetic reflecting the spirit of someone as tastefully resistant as Dallas.
The Class Innovator
Angella Choe
Angella ChoeANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
For Angella Choe, existing outside of the status quo is the norm. From pushing back against gender norms with her personal style to making purposeful transitions in pursuit of her passions, the visionary photographer and interdisciplinary creative has never been afraid to take the necessary leaps toward her goals. In fact, she embraces them.
Through vibrant and striking visuals, Choe communicates a distinct personality and perspective through her work, ensuring that her signature is present across every project she touches. Having already worked with several recognized names across multiple industries, the intuitive creative is driven by her unapologetic self-expression. She uses this deep understanding of self to bridge communal gaps and facilitate organic interactions among like-minded individuals.
For someone as outspokenly authentic as Choe, rocking the retro brown and white Knu Skool sneakers only makes sense. Playful in color and design, this unique pair of Vans feels all too familiar to the photographer’s own stylishly contrarian aura.
The Class Maverick
Ralph Souffrant
Ralph SouffrantGO BIG OR GO HOME
Fueled by his burning desire to push conventional boundaries to their limit—and then beyond—Ralph Souffrant is no stranger to what it takes to be great. A skater by trade, Souffrant has since expanded his horizons to include everything from modeling to community engagement.
Serving as an example of what can be achieved through discipline and consistency surrounding your craft, Souffrant lives out his unabashed truth at all times in hopes that his story can inspire those in need of extra motivation.
Complimenting the voguish individualist’s bold demeanor, Vans’ signature navy and white Knu Skool sneaks accentuate Souffrant’s uncompromising essence. Grounded by his strong roots, Souffrant has his sights set forward, working to build something much bigger than himself.
The Class Renegade
Isabella Lalonde
Isabella LalondeLIFE RUNS ON DREAMS
As a self-described catalyst, Isabella Lalonde studies the stereotypical standard to find the right ways to break it down. Known for her blossoming brand Beepy Bella, an enchanting fashion label that serves as a physical manifestation of Lalonde’s mind, the ethereal creative champions a narrative of radical self-acceptance—believing that only the best work is derived from this practice.
Standing tall as a bonafide break-out star with everyone from cultural it girls Bella Hadid and Oliva Rodrigo to comedic heartthrob Pete Davidson rocking Beepy Bella, Lalonde’s success may seem rapid. Still, behind closed doors, she’s been diligently cultivating a message that could speak to a range of global audiences.
Flexing her iconic black and white Knu Skool kicks, this standout Imagineer is outpacing some of her peers with a gentle grace rarely seen. With keen intuition, Lalonde doesn’t force anything, giving her work a noticeably spellbinding air. Maybe it’s dedication, maybe it’s a sprinkle of fairy dust, but only Lalonde knows for sure.
Now that roll call is complete with not one tardy reported, today’s lesson can officially begin. Check out our exclusive in-class conversation in which Vans’ Director of Lifestyle Footwear Design and certified OG Angie Dita gave the Knu Skool’s star students a few helpful notes. And don’t worry, there won’t be a test—at least, we hope not.
Angie Dita: It’s so nice to meet you all. I guess I’ll give a bit of background on myself before we really dive into our larger conversation. Creating has always been in my blood. My family is full of creatives, and growing up, I was like, "You know what? I want to be creative, but I want to do it my own way."
Eventually, graphic design was where I found my purpose. Then in college, I stumbled upon the streetwear craze that was flipping the narrative on what luxury meant. Later, I followed that passion and interned with the brand Hellz Bellz, where I found mentors who helped me hone my craft. After being in streetwear for a few years, I took a leap of faith and joined Vans. That was 13 years ago now.
Isabella LaLonde: That’s such an interesting journey! I think streetwear, and fashion in general, is used as an extension of my art form. I’ve always felt like the way I could most authentically practice my art form was through what I wore every day. Working in fashion allowed me to finally have a purpose to explore and add narrative to people's perceptions of who I am through what I wear. So, in a way, fashion has been a personal diary of my passions and interests. It's the easiest way to get to know who I am.
Angella Choe: Haha I was always dressed like a rebellious tomboy. I loved wearing men's clothes because society and the media told us girls had to be sexy, cute, soft, and submissive. So, fashion, to me, was a form of rebelling against that.
Dallas Sessoms: That's dope! I really admire anyone who expresses themselves creatively. I like to surround myself with people who encourage me and others to be transparent. Those kinds of interactions inspire me to keep going.
Ralph Souffrant: I’m really moved by the way you guys and others around us are choosing to embrace their own imperfections, flaws, and beauty; That's what makes us all human. I feel like people of our generation celebrate our uniqueness without having to go the extra mile to feel seen.
AD: You guys saying this has my heart fluttering. I love your confidence, curiosity, and purpose, it’s so genuine. I've noticed the new generation of creators really stays true to the authentic story they want to tell. I feel like there are definitely challenges and obstacles that come along with it, but the ones that are standing out right now are the ones that are truly using their chosen mediums to say, "I don't need to be for everyone. This is how I see myself. This is what I want to give to my community.”
IL: That’s what I love about this new era, too! I like the challenge of being this enigma who's unapologetically self-expressive. And I feel like many of my peers are doing the same thing; it’s so refreshing!
AC: I love what you said! I feel the same way. I get gratification from proving people wrong, being loud, and making waves. We’re opening the floodgates to changing the norm right now. It's just a really exciting time!
RS: I think our open-mindedness is what really allows us to reimagine new realities. Our demand for diverse narratives and amplifying unique voices is expanding the culture. We also have a huge sense of global community, which I think is very unique. The notion of being different no longer exists.
DS: From my point of view, though, the only real difference I see between creatives from different generations is the world we live in. I feel like, regardless of era, creatives share a similar purpose. The people and the artists I surround myself with are building culture through music, art, and design to make things fun again. I think that's imperative to building a brighter future.
AD: This is amazing. The confidence is so evident. This makes me feel really positive about the future; so many opportunities are opening up. It doesn't even matter what level you're at. This generation is influencing everybody.
IL: This has been such an amazing moment, really! But, Angie, since you’ve done so much in your career already, do you have any words of advice for us to keep in mind?
AD: Well, first, I just want to say I appreciate you guys for sharing this space with me. I see the discipline and fun you guys have with your work. To close it out, I’ll say just continue to be unique in who you are and surprise us with ideas. Keep being so unapologetic that they can’t deny you.
