"For its 15th anniversary, Melbourne-based retailer UP THERE is revisiting its ongoing partnership with ASICS to deliver a collaboration that is equal parts nostalgic and forward-thinking. This marks the fourth chapter in their creative journey, unveiling the GEL-KAYANO 12.1 "Natsukashii," a sneaker that perfectly encapsulates the fusion of cultural storytelling, heritage appreciation, and contemporary design. The release is more than a footwear drop. It's a curated reflection on memory, identity, and the power of collaboration, weaving Japanese influence with UP THERE's own minimalist aesthetic."
"At the heart of this collaboration is the Japanese concept of natsukashii, a term that conveys the emotional warmth and fondness that surfaces when revisiting memories of the past. Rather than simply using this word as a theme, UP THERE and ASICS have translated it into a tactile, wearable experience. Every choice of material, color, and detail channels that sense of nostalgia while still maintaining a modern edge."
"The GEL-KAYANO 12.1 itself represents an ideal canvas for the collaboration. A performance runner that originally launched in ASICS' technical lineup, the silhouette merges athletic precision with lifestyle versatility. By blending archival elements with updated materials, the shoe bridges the gap between yesterday and today, echoing the sentiment of natsukashii. Visually, the UP THERE x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 12.1 "Natsukashii" projects a restrained yet refined energy."
Melbourne-based retailer UP THERE marks its 15th anniversary with the fourth collaboration with ASICS, unveiling the GEL-KAYANO 12.1 "Natsukashii". The design translates the Japanese concept of natsukashii—emotional warmth and fondness for past memories—into a tactile, wearable experience through considered materials, colors, and details. The GEL-KAYANO 12.1 serves as a performance-to-lifestyle canvas that merges athletic precision with versatility, combining archival elements and updated materials. The aesthetic favors minimalism and restraint, featuring a grey mesh base for breathability and olive patent leather overlays for reflective texture and visibility. Branding is intentionally subdued to emphasize materiality and heritage.
Read at stupidDOPE | Est. 2008
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