Both ASICS and Vivienne Westwood share a long brand history of design and championed uniqueness with quality, craftmanship and innovation at their core. This shared history and distinction to transcend the ordinary brought about this timely collaboration.

Vivienne Westwood began designing in 1971 along with her then partner Malcolm McLaren, at the time they used their 430 Kings Road shop in London to showcase their ideas and designs. It was in 1976 when Westwood and McLaren defined the street culture of Punk with Seditionaries. 

By the end of the seventies Westwood herself was already considered a symbol of the British avantgarde turning to traditional Savile Row tailoring techniques, using British fabrics and 17th and 18th century art for inspiration. 

In 2006 Westwood was appointed Dame of the British Empire by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Vivienne Westwood is one of the last independent global fashion companies in the world. With a design record spanning over forty years, Vivienne Westwood is recognized as a global brand and Westwood herself as one of the most influential fashion designers, and activists, in the world today.

Andreas Kronthaler, Creative director (and Husband) of VW says “ASICS are brilliant technicians, known for their expertise, they are the best in their field. We love the look of their trainers because they are form following function – which attracted us to this collaboration.  We wanted to create something real. They are not just decoration or a fashion statement- they are functional. With this collaboration we wanted to bring together both.”

The GEL-KAYANO 5 OG shoe was first released by ASICS in 1999. Selected for its history and desire to reimagine a classic shape, the red and orange colour palette of the trainer was informed by one of the original colour-ways of Vivienne Westwood’s archive Squiggle print. 

Lined with this original print and featuring the Vivienne Westwood multi-coloured orb embroidered on the back of the shoe, This special collaboration touches on the heritage of both brands, reimagining ASICS classic styles, re-released with advanced performance technology and Vivienne Westwood’s iconic design elements and prints synonymous with the brands history.

Launching in-store ONLY on Saturday 27^thApril, Sizes range from UK7 – UK11, priced at £160. For further information on in-store stock availability please call 020 7287 8094.