Get ready to lace up in style! The iconic Asics Gel-Kayano 20 is about to shine brighter than ever before. In a dazzling collaboration with London's Completedworks, these sneakers are transforming into wearable art.
A Match Made in Fashion Heaven
Asics SportStyle is joining forces with Completedworks, a jewelry and accessories brand that's making waves in the fashion world. Together, they're crafting a shoe that's not just for running but for making a statement.
The star of this collaboration is the Gel-Kayano 20, a performance runner from Asics' early 2000s archive. But Completedworks' founder and artistic director, Anna Jewsbury, has given it a glamorous makeover. Handcrafted in their London studio, the shoes feature a stunning array of mismatched gems, pearly bows, and floral accents, all signature elements of the brand's unique design language. It's a perfect blend of athletics and aesthetics!
Jewsbury explains, "We explore the contrast between femininity and intricate design with the practical and everyday. Sneakers, with their simplicity, embody this fusion perfectly."
More Than Meets the Eye
This collaboration isn't just about fashion; it has a deeper purpose. It marks Completedworks' entry into the sneaker design arena and their first partnership with a sportswear giant. Additionally, it's part of Asics SportStyle's 'Crafts for Mind' program, which supports mental well-being through creative endeavors. A portion of the profits will even benefit the Yorkshire Sculpture Park's Community Program, fostering artistic expression.
Where to Get Your Hands on These Gems
The Asics × Completedworks collaboration will be available for $300 at Completedworks.com and Dover Street Market London after the brand's London Fashion Week show on February 21st. It will then make its way to Dover Street Market Paris and Dover Street Market Ginza in March.
And here's a fun fact: Asics North America's recent earnings report revealed that their sportstyle category is booming, with the Gel-1130 and Gel-NYC shoes leading the charge with triple-digit growth compared to last year.
But here's where it gets interesting: As the industry thrives, is it enough to offer premium products, or should brands also focus on sustainability and ethical practices? What's your take on the future of fashion collaborations?
