Fresh off the runway of his Fall/Winter 2024 menswear show, KENZO Artistic Director Nigo dropped a sneaker collaboration that’s sending ripples through the footwear world: the KENZO x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 20. This is a vibrant reimagining of a legendary silhouette, infused with Nigo’s signature blend of playful boldness and meticulous detailing.
Three distinct colorways offer something for everyone. One explodes in a kaleidoscope of blue, lime green and orange, while another channels the sleek sophistication of the original GEL-KAYANO’s silver, gold and white palette. The third throws a vibrant party of blue, green, pink, yellow and orange, all set against a sporty white background. And if that’s not enough, two of the styles see the iconic cage of the GEL-KAYANO 20 reinterpreted as a canvas for KENZO’s signature tiger graphic, rendered in plush faux fur for an extra touch of luxurious rebellion.
The KENZO x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 20 retains the technical prowess that made the original a performance powerhouse. ASICS branding graces the right tongue while KENZO takes the left, a subtle nod to the collaborative spirit. Co-branded packaging completes the experience, making each pair a collector’s item in its own right.
This isn’t Nigo’s first foray into footwear with KENZO. In October, he teamed up with Hunter for a collection of duck hunting boot-inspired kicks, showcasing his versatility in the realm of functional fashion. And let’s not forget the Fall/Winter 2024 menswear show itself, where Nigo unveiled a genderless sneaker that fused ’90s skate codes with futuristic flair.
From the bold reimagining of the GEL-KAYANO 20 to the genre-bending new sneaker, Nigo’s footwear vision for KENZO is clear: push boundaries, embrace comfort and inject a healthy dose of playful rebellion. The KENZO x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 20 collection will be available in stores, on KENZO.com and at select retailers on January 26th.