Neil Barrett Brings His Crisp Ethos to the Li-Ning ESSENCE
Five collaborative colorways are releasing this fall.
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Neil Barrett and Li-Ning have teamed up for five fresh takes on the latter’s ESSENSE silhouette. Known for his crisp pieces and attention to detail, Barrett’s five-pack of takes on the sneaker focuses on form and function in equal parts — with the designer himself describing the offerings as an “essential component” of the “modern uniform.”
Styles from the quintet include black, white and grey with a knit pattern, monochromatic black, black with a white sole, all white and olive with black. Uppers feature a sock-like knit construction that molds to the wearer’s foot. This top half is bolstered with co-branded straps that feature Barrett’s signature lightning bolt graphic and more. Tubular laces tie the upper regions off. The midsole may appear bulky at first glance, but thanks to its cut-out grooves it’s flexible and adaptable. Each pair is also packaged with matching socks to round off the look.
All five colorways of Neil Barrett x Li-Ning ESSENCE are slated to release via the Neil Barrett webstore in the latter half of September, though an exact date and official retail price have yet to be pinpointed.
Elsewhere in the world of footwear, On has launched Cyclon — a sustainable running sneaker and apparel initiative.