Kiko Kostadinov and ASICS' GEL-Kiril 2 Is Their Final Collaboration

Kiko Kostadinov‘s final sneaker with ASICS — wrapping up a successful three-year partnership — has been unveiled. After showcasing their GESSIRITT II sneaker back in May, the two entities have introduced the GEL-Kiril 2 as the latest model to their collaboration.

As the name of the shoe implies, the GEL-Kiril 2 is an updated iteration of the GEL-Kiril, a silhouette with special tooling that Kiko Kostadinov designed himself. The sneaker is rendered in colorways of “Coral Red,” “Phantom Black” and “Steel Grey,” sporting a crisp assembly of breathable mesh and rubber uppers. ASICS’ logo is stamped at the top of the tongue, complemented by a sleek rubber strap that folds over the forefoot and ends near the lateral side. Furthermore, ASICS’ side stripes are placed over the lateral walls in a smooth glossy finish, complementing a large rubber piece that appears on the medial half of the shoe’s split toe. All of these features rest over an articulated midsole that’s been engineered with FlyteFoamTM cushioning technology for optimal comfort and support.

Though no official details have been revealed, the Kiko Kostadinov x ASICS GEL-Kiril 2 is slated to land soon as part of ASICS’ Fall 2020 lineup.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

The GEL-KIRIL 2 marks the sixth, and last, seasonal collaboration between Kiko Kostadinov and ASICS. In keeping with the traditions established by the previous capsules, the GEL-KIRIL 2 builds on the unique GEL-KIRIL silhouette while taking design inspiration from the Kiko Kostadinov Fall 2020 ready-to-wear collection. This final co-branded release reimagines the unique FlyteFoamTM sole by utilizing a folding Velcro tongue within a retooled aerodynamic upper that layers two different mesh applications. This new tongue design conceals an elasticated lacing system underneath the overlapping closure that provides extra support. In a directional twist for ASICS, Kostadinov has pushed the boundaries of the traditional usage of the tiger stripes, as well as the spiral logo, to develop something new for the brand. Through the tweaking and skewing of their proportions, the GEL-KIRIL 2 creates a perception of depth through the layering of materiality and form. The traditional tiger stripes, stretched and wrapped around the front of the body, are juxtaposed with a minimalist spiral logo that anchors the top of the tongue. This play on proportion results in a powerful tension between the familiar and the new.

A post shared by @ kikokostadinov on Sep 6, 2020 at 2:02am PDT

In case you missed it, check out Kiko Kostadinov’s expansive SS21 collection.