Vans. THE KNU STACK/

Produced by Final Frontier

Legendary street culture brand Vans enlisted Final Frontier to help activate the latest addition to their Knu Skool silhouette: The Knu Stack. 

The Knu Stack adds a modern twist to their enduring ‘90s skate shoes, and Vans set out to create an impactful moment in the heart of New York City to bring the new look to life. 

We’d been seeking a larger-than-life opportunity to announce our expansion into the US, and there was no better way to kick things off than working with a cultural icon in NYC. 

The Naked Eye 3D billboard gave us the opportunity to quite literally think outside the box, as a giant 3D version of Little Simz is seen kicking through the classic VANS chequered branding and dangling the Knu Stack tantalizingly over the heads of passersby. 

Partnering with renowned design and animation studio, Woodwork, we were hell-bent on standing out amongst the busy New York skyline. 

Woodwork Art Director, Roberto Andreu: “Working on a 3D billboard presents challenges, as the effect can only be fully appreciated from one angle. However, when it all comes together, the audience is in for an incredibly rewarding and immersive experience. The blend of CGI and realistic textures, mixed with the VANS’ signature street chill and grungy vibe, made the whole project unique.”

Although Little Simz’s anatomical proportions were exaggerated to better fit the scene, the rapper herself was not needed to model for any portion of the work. 

Andreu: “For the character, we used photogrammetry of Little Simz to texture-map them onto her body parts and outfit, aligning with the campaign style. Given the unconventional proportions, we extended and reimagined the photography, adapting it to the new anatomy.”

The creative team then meticulously rigged and animated the sequences to add movement and life to the character. They also lit the entire scene to replicate natural lighting and enhance the 3D effect, making it truly eye-catching.

We’re no strangers to seeing our work on the global stage, but witnessing Vans towering over the streets of New York City at the entrance to Pennsylvania Station was something to behold.  Even more gratifyingly, we found a partner perfectly aligned with our own creative philosophy.

Final Frontier Executive Creative Director, Claus Cibils: “I think we’re in tune with Vans, their way of being. It’s about the culture, going beyond. I’ve realised that they’re what our ideal client should be. They’re so free, which is rare for a major brand.”