Fans Are Obsessed With This 'Well Executed' Retro Collab: 'Maybe 2016 Is Really Coming Back'
- - Fans Are Obsessed With This 'Well Executed' Retro Collab: 'Maybe 2016 Is Really Coming Back'
Nathan HutsenpillerJanuary 21, 2026 at 2:30 AM
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With all this talk about 2016, it only makes sense that our favorite brands would lean into the trend. Whether by design or just pure luck, OTW by Vans has teased the perfect collab for those of us riding that heavy wave of decade-old nostalgia.
Teaming back up with skateboarding's favorite footwear brand, renowned streetwear artist Pieter 'Parra' Janssen is reimagining an iconic Vans silhouette with the vibrant, one-of-a-kind style only his surreal mind could create. Dropping Thursday, Jan. 22, at vans.com/otw, this is one collab fans won't want to miss.
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Who Is Parra?
OTW by Vans (OTW by Vans)
Pieter 'Parra' Janssen is a Dutch artist best known for his surreal, bird-like characters and signature use of saturated colors. His early work focused on vibrant hand-drawn letters and humor, which in recent years has evolved into richly layered, abstract interpretations of his core designs.
With a devoted following and acclaimed exhibitions around the world, Parra now works across multiple mediums including painting, sculpture, drawing, and textiles. He's also the co-founder of the cult-favorite apparel label ByParra and currently lives and works in Amsterdam.
OTW by Vans x Parra Old Skool 36
OTW by Vans (OTW by Vans)
Parra's history with Vans dates back to the early '90s, when he skated as a sponsored rider, long before his vibrant, eye-catching art found its way into galleries and museums around the world.
Now, decades later, that relationship comes full circle with the OTW by Vans x Parra Old Skool 36. This classic silhouette has been retooled with plenty of fresh looks in recent years, but Parra's distinctive take, blending art and skate heritage with layered materials and premium craftsmanship, shows exactly why fans are calling it “well executed.”
Related: Old Navy's Warm and Cozy Winter Staple Is the 'Bang for Your Buck' Shoppers Can't Stop Raving About
Signature Details on a Timeless Silhouette
Taking on Parra's signature wavy colorblocking and asymmetric detailing and pairing it with soft suede, the shoe delivers a minimalist yet polished look, finished with vibrant pink and blue tones and playful typography across the tongue labels.
Inside, a Sola Foam ADC insole keeps every step feeling comfy, all while being brought to life by mismatched footbeds punctuated with the reminder, "Don't forget to skate in these."
Best of all, the shoe features Vans' ultra-durable vulcanized sole and signature waffle outsole, with matte foxing and custom heel scabs that round out the silhouette and paint a clear picture of cohesion between art, skate culture and timeless design.
Fans Are Loving It
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"Parra cooked up a new Vans Old Skool 36 collab dropping on January 22 for $130," @nicekicks captioned a post spreading the word about the release. Fans quickly weighed in, with one writing, "Loved that they played with the tooling to fit their aesthetic," and another adding, "Maybe 2016 is really coming back," pointing to the collab's retro vibe and nostalgic feel.
In a separate post shared by @hypebeast, the excitement continued to build up. One fan boldly said, "These are actually pretty cool. I think it's safe to say Vans is back," while another agreed, adding, "First release that has caught my eye in a while."
How to Get the OTW by Vans x Parra Old Skool 36
The OTW by Vans x Parra Old Skool 36 launches on Jan. 22 for $130 at vans.com/otw. This highly anticipated release is expected to sell out quickly, so set a reminder and hop online as soon as it drops. Currently, it's unclear whether pairs will be available nationwide in stores, making the online release the best way to secure a pair.
For more wardrobe essentials, check out Old Navy's cozy and stylish brushed topcoat and Uniqlo's "best on the market" everyday-ready sweatshirt.
Related: What the Saks Bankruptcy Could Mean for Shoppers Nationwide
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Shopping, Deals & Freebies section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
