Summary:
- Parra releases a new version of the Vans Old Skool 36 through the OTW by Vans line
- The design features suede construction with wavy color blocking and asymmetric details
- Release date is January 22 via online channels
Parra has returned to Vans with a new interpretation of the Old Skool 36. The Dutch artist first connected with the brand in the early 1990s as a sponsored skater. His artistic career later evolved to include exhibitions in galleries and museum collections worldwide. This latest project brings his work back to his skateboarding roots through the OTW by Vans platform.
The collaboration transforms the classic Old Skool 36 silhouette. Parra applied his signature visual language to the design, combining skateboarding culture with refined construction techniques. The result is a shoe built with layered materials and attention to detail.
Suede forms the primary material across the upper. Parra incorporated his recognizable wavy color blocking pattern into the design. The execution creates visual interest through geometric shapes that flow across the shoe's surface. Asymmetric details add another layer to the aesthetic, breaking from traditional symmetrical sneaker design.
The construction sits on a vulcanized sole. This choice maintains the technical performance standards associated with skate footwear while supporting the visual design above. The minimalist approach lets the material choices and color work take center stage without excess embellishment.
Typography appears throughout the shoe in several locations. The tongue features logo work with playful lettering. Inside, Sola Foam ADC insoles provide comfort. These insoles carry printed text reading "Don't Forget to skate in these". The message reinforces the shoe's functional purpose despite its artistic presentation.
The project represents a full circle moment for Parra. His early years skating for Vans happened before his art career took off. Now his artistic identity merges back with the brand that supported him as an athlete. The Old Skool 36 serves as the foundation for this reunion.
Vans selected the Old Skool 36 as the base model for specific reasons. The silhouette has a long history in skate culture. Its design offers enough surface area for artistic interpretation while maintaining the functional elements skaters need. The vulcanized construction provides board feel and durability.
The OTW by Vans line positions itself as a platform for creative projects. This positioning allows collaborators like Parra to experiment with classic Vans models. The line bridges performance footwear and lifestyle design, creating space for artistic expression within a functional framework.
Material quality plays a key role in the final product. The suede upper requires careful sourcing and treatment. Layered construction demands precise assembly. These production choices elevate the shoe beyond standard collaborative releases.
Color blocking follows Parra's established visual vocabulary. His work often features organic, flowing shapes in bold color combinations. The wavy pattern on the Old Skool 36 translates this approach to three-dimensional form. The asymmetric application means each side of the shoe offers a different view.
The release strategy focuses on online distribution. Customers will have access starting January 22. This approach aligns with how many limited collaborations reach their audience. It allows global access while maintaining controlled availability.
Parra's journey from sponsored skater to museum-collected artist demonstrates how skateboarding culture intersects with contemporary art. This collaboration makes that connection explicit. The shoe functions as both wearable art and functional footwear, serving dual purposes for different audiences.
The Old Skool 36 joins a long line of artist collaborations in Vans history. The brand has consistently worked with creative figures to reinterpret its classic models. Each collaboration brings a different perspective while respecting the original designs that made the shoes popular.
This release adds another chapter to both Parra's portfolio and Vans' collaborative history. The shoe will be available online beginning January 22.