The first drop of the Asics x Vivienne Westwood collection 2019 comprises two styles: Gel-Kayano 5 OG and Gel-Mai Knit MT. Both will be available from April 27.
“Asics are brilliant technicians – known for their expertise, they are the best in their field. We love the look of their trainers because they are form following function – which attracted us to this collaboration. We wanted to create something real. They are not just decoration or a fashion statement- they are functional. With this collaboration we wanted to bring together both,” said Andreas Kronthaler, Westwood’s creative director.
Asicstiger x Vivienne Westwood Gel-Mai Knit MT
The Gel-Mai Knit MT shoe adopts the iconic Vivienne Westwood archive Squiggleprint, first used in the Pirate autumn/winter 1981 debut catwalk collection.
Using the original red and white contrasting squiggle colorway, the motif has been used to accentuate the technical design features of the shoe. The flexible sock is intarsia knitted with the squiggle pattern whilst the external structure, adding strength and fastening to the shape, is in block white leather.
The style was chosen for its asymmetric lacing, a technique often used in Westwood’s tailoring and fastenings. The iconic Vivienne Westwood orb logo is also embroidered on the back of the shoe.
Asics x Vivienne Westwood Gel-Kayano 5 OG
The Gel-Kayano 5 OG shoe was first released by Asics in 1999 and subsequently relaunched in 2018. The trainer was selected for its history and desire to reimagine a classic shape.
The red and orange color palette of the trainer was informed by one of the original colorways of the Vivienne Westwood archive Squiggle print. The trainer is lined with this original print and features the Vivienne Westwood multi-coloured orb embroidered on the back of the shoe.
The Gel-Mai Knit MT (S$339) and the Gel-Kayano 5 OG (S$289) will be available in Singapore from April 27 at Vivienne Westwood, Asics Plaza Singapura store and viviennewestwood.com.
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