Japanese sportswear giant ASICS continues its successful partnership with studio Kiko Kostadinov. The famous Bulgarian designer is the Art Director of the brand’s lifestyle range and helps design new models or improve old ones. After the success of the ASICS UB4-S GEL-1130 released a few months ago, a KIKO KOSTADINOV STUDIO x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM™ ZIENTZIA just surfaced.
This silhouette pays homage to Asics’ Institute of Sport Sciences (ISS). It’s inspired by its ethos and specifically its commitment to ‘human-centered science’, while working with unique materials to design ‘intelligently’.
The GEL-QUANTUM™ ZIENTZIA therefore sports an eye-catching look that plays on the proportions of elements, such as the iconic side Stripes, and relies on material exploration. Its shape and tooling are reminiscent of the ASICS GEL-QUANTUM LEVITRACK designed by Kiko Kostadinov in 2021.
This very first declination highlights the blue color of the ISS, adding black to ensure elegance.
The sneaker features a black breathable technical mesh upper with overlays, including Tigers Stripes, in royal blue and/or silver premium synthetic materials and is also adorned with special eyelets. The whole is based on a unique 2-piece sole with GEL Scutoid technology for improved shock absorption. The reinforced heel offers the wearer performance level support and is built for excellent comfort.
To illustrate the inspiration, this pair’s campaign images are from the ISS building in Kobe, Japan. Kiko Kostadivov’s GEL-QUANTUM™ ZIENTZIA was photographed in its element, worn by members of the ISS team, including researchers, developers and designers.
The KIKO KOSTADINOV STUDIO x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM™ ZIENTZIA will be released for $280, previewing February 28, 2023 on the fashion designer’s website kikokostadinov.com, followed by select retailers like THE BROKEN ARM on March 4, 2023 and on asics.com. Let’s go !
