The Best of ASICS 2021
2021 has seen ASICS dish out a stack of covetable sneakers in new and exciting ways! Through the launch of The ASICS Collective, they've shown their dedication to engaging closely with the brightest creatives of the moment, and have also broadened their horizons by forging fresh partnerships. While stepping into the future may be at the forefront of their master plan, they're still bringing OG models with them too! Check out the best of ASICS in 2021!
The ASICS Collective
Through the launch of The ASICS Collective, a curated group of creatives are being challenged to think 'outside of their general wheelhouse' – as put by the group's leader and Awake NY founder, Angelo Baque. Members who have been selected are considered boundary-pushers in their respective fields, and includes Denim Tears founder, Tremaine Emory and Procell co-founder, Jess Gonsalves. So far we've seen Baque's 'Rebirth of Cool’, and prior to that, Emory ticked off his inaugural Denim Tears colab – in which he reworked the GEL-MC PLUS in two fresh colourways. Look out for more from these creatives in 2022!
Deployment of the Kiko Consultants
Last year Kiko Kostadinov suggested that he would be entering the next phase of his partnership with ASICS. On behalf of his brand, he stated ‘We are deeply honored to be building further on this partnership with this new developmental initiative.’ With a shroud of mystery surrounding the announcement, it would soon become clear that the Kiko consultants would be introduced, a team of designers who would extend his unique aesthetic onto ASICS' Sportstyle models. In 2021 they've worked on pairs like the UB2-S GEL-1130 and the FN2-S GEL-CONTEND 5. Just don't refer to them as Kiko colabs!
Kiko Kostadinov Continues to Reign
The Bulgarian designer continued to dominate the space where fashion and sneakers collide, although his recent output hasn't been quite as prolific as previous years. He kicked off the year with the GEL-Quantum LEVITRACK, which in true high-fashion style was teased on the runway of his Spring/Summer 2022 show. Not long after that, Kostadinov then linked up with Brain Dead to debut the GEL-Fratelli.
Collaborations Central
Outside of the Collective, ASICS delivered on what the people love: collaborations! They resumed business with longstanding partners like Ronnie Fieg for the GEL-Lyte V, Concepts' on the ‘Otoro’ and the GEL-1090 was covered with the iconic BAPE camo. First timers joined the party too, including Italian luxury fashion retailer, LUISAVIAROMA on the GEL-KYRIOS, as well as SVD putting their touch on the GEL-LYTE III. Not only did ASICS work with an impressive roster of brands this year, they were also front and centre in representing Australian athletes at the Tokyo Olympics, with the GEL-Quantum 360.
Re-upping the Classics
OGs weren't forgotten about in 2021, with a number of models from the 80s, 90s and 2000s commanding the spotlight! The tail-end of last year was a spoiler alert on this front, with the release of the GEL-Kayano 14 in its original 'White/Pure Gold' colourway. Since then the silhouette has continued to materialise as not only the classic versions, but as new styles like the 'Illuminate Yellow/Black' and 'White/Pure Silver'. Less hyped was the retro of the GT-II which also reached its 35th anniversary this year, arriving in the original ‘Glacier Grey’ and ‘Monaco Blue’.
