Reigning Champ Taps ASICS for Futuristic Running Wares
Layering pieces and shoes inspired by the heritage of Kyoto.
Following a tonal trio of collaborative GMBH kicks, ASICS continues its collaborative streak with an array of goods designed in partnership with Reigning Champ. The first of four collaborative drops, the duo’s first clothing capsule and footwear takes cues from the history of the former Japanese capital, Kyoto.
Inspired by traditional textiles and weathered wooden patina, the “Kyoto Edition” collaboration blends Reigning Champ’s athleisure sensibilities with ASICS’ technical know-how, yielding an array of summer-ready garments and function-focused running shoes. A dip-dyed jacket and black tracksuit sport anatomical seams, accessible pockets and breathable panels, simultaneously allowing for maximum warm weather comfort and fighting the elements. More dark-hued goods appear elsewhere, with running shorts, leggings and socks executed in monochrome hues, juxtaposed against earth-toned tees to reinforce the organic inspiration.
The footwear encompasses both an ASICS GEL-Kayano 5 OG and the cutting-edge GEL-Kayano 25, each imagined in beige tones to complement the lighter-hued garments. The GEL-Kayano 5 employs suede and grain leather in both black and beige for dynamic disparity, with the front of the shoe notably darker than the rear panels, which sport a small, embroidered Reigning Champ logo. Meanwhile, the modern GEL-Kayano 25 boasts a mostly-tonal colorway, with plenty of tans playing across the breathable mesh and suede upper, contrasted against a black heel and ASICS branding, retaining the black outsole also seen on the GEL-Kayano 5.
The collaborative “Kyoto Edition” pack hits Reigning Champ’s website, ASICS.com and select retailers of each brand on June 15. Expect the next four collaborative drops to follow in the coming months. In the meantime, watch the campaign video below.
Recently, AWAKE NY teased a forthcoming ASICS footwear collaboration.
