Asics made its presence known this Paris Fashion Week Men’s with a pop-up store featuring some of its newest collaborations and in-line Sportstyle models as well as a slate of special events.
The three-day pop-up at 7 Rue Froissart, which marks the third time the athletic brand hosted this event during Paris Fashion Week, saw collections from four collaborators launch each day.
The first tie-up to see the spotlight was Asics’ latest style with Cecilie Bahnsen. Following two highly anticipated releases, the new sneaker with Bahnsen is the first-ever women’s model of Asics’ Gel-Quantum 360 VIII.
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Created using “Division Space” technology, utilizing the space between the Gel and the midsole for enhanced comfort, the Bahnsen sandal-style upper is completed with two velcro straps embellished with a floral application – a nod to the previous GT-2160 collaboration. The upper base features techy, two-tone mesh and 5D print overlays while the outsole uses a semi-transparent rubber piece with a customized floral print underneath.
Next, Asics showcased its new release with architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates (KKA). This marks the third Asics x Kengo Kuma collaboration since the duo first teamed up in 2019. This time though, the two companies are releasing the Archisite Oru. According to Asics, the structure of the shoe was devised to “support his daily life from the ground up, allowing him to move seamlessly from construction sites to relaxed scenes in hotels without changing shoes.” Interestingly, the name ‘’Oru’’ incorporates ‘’fold’’ due to the action of the folding upper, which is reminiscent of origami.
Doublet is up next, which previewed its upcoming Gel-Kayano 20 collaborative sneaker as well as a special custom range of Gel-Nimbus 10.1 sneakers.The concept of the duo’s Gel-Kayano 20 collaboration is based on cardboard and the footwear brand’s in-line shoeboxes. Asics said the upper of the shoe is designed as a homage to its product spec and Ortholite label, and are made of a color changeable material similar to cardboard. The cross section of the material used for the upper has a wavy design, mimicking the cross section of a cardboard box, and the extra shoelaces come in blue. It is made in the image of the vinyl tape that is used to put together cardboard boxes.
To celebrate the partnership in Paris, Doublet has also customized 20 pairs of the Gel-Nimbus 10.1 model, a new style in the Asics SportStyle line. It was coated by smashed cow leather and sprayed by flocky processing to create the texture and color that are matched with the concept of the upcoming Gel-Kayano 20 collaboration sneaker.
The last collaboration to be featured in the pop-up was Asics’ newest sneaker with Up There. For their third collaboration Asics and Up There reinterpret the Gel-Terrain sneaker. The collaboration contrasts elements presented alongside “creatures” made of recycled materials, Asics said.
In addition to its upcoming collabs, Asics also highlighted some of its upcoming in-line Sportstyle product. These sneakers included the Gel-Quantum 360 VIII Digitune, the Gel-Nimbus 10.1, the Gel-Quantum 360 VIII sneaker from Celebration of Sports collection and the GT-2160 sneaker from Celebration of Sports collection. A range of Asics SportStyle apparel was also on display.
Outside of its pop-up in le Marais district, Asics also hosted additional events throughout the city of light. On Thursday night Kith and Asics hosted a private dinner at the New York native’s mega flagship in Paris to toast their new tie up. Slated to release on Monday, the Ronnie Fieg for Asics Gel-Kayano 12.1 sneakers come in two colorways – both with metallic silver overlays that have been trendy throughout archival running shoes from the aughts. One is light on color with a mix of cream and beige, while the other stands out with red and blue accents breaking up the cream arrangement.
Finally, on Saturday, Asics debuted its latest sneaker with DJ and producer Zack Bia with a one-day pop-up shop in celebration of his forthcoming sneaker collaboration with his imprint Field Trip Recordings x Asics. This pop-up at 139 Rue Du Temple, showcased the new Gel-Kayano 14 collab revamps the retro running sneaker with the additional name of 555THZ, which corresponds with the sound frequency of the shoe’s colorway.
Set to drop later this year, the exclusive shoe will make a bold arrival with its electric green colorway, bright yellow accents, a black heel portion and blue sole. In addition to its striking hues, the Field Trip variation boasts a thicker, diamond-shaped mesh than on regular Gel-Kayano models.
And, if that wasn’t enough already, music platform NTS Radio linked up with Asics at this year’s Fête de la Musique in Paris on Friday for a free party at the Ecole Duperré Paris.
