Helen Kirkum Reconstructs ASICS' GEL-1090 for Charity
Exclusively dropping at NAKED CPH.
London-based designer Helen Kirkum is known for her reworking of familiar and fan-favorite sneakers, a topic she previously highlighted in HYPEBEAST Sole Mates. Now, the designer has teamed up with ASICS to rework 30 pairs of the GEL-1090 silhouette, with all of them dropping exclusively at NAKED CPH.
As one of the pioneers of the deconstruction-reconstruction aesthetic, Kikrum’s GEL-1090 collaboration is centered around transforming deadstock sneakers. By incorporating post-consumer waste into her designs, the uppers now sport a protective layer that wraps around the lateral, in contrast showing an “exposed” upper on the medial. Running routes in the U.K. are embroidered onto the toe boxes, while a new lacing system has also been applied, putting a focus on techy rope lacing that’s reminiscent of hiking shoes.
A final touch of “armor” has been added to the tongue, also made from post-consumer waste, and all 30 pairs are different from each other. Speaking on the collaboration, Kirkum said: “ASICS’ Japanese heritage celebrates the beauty and importance of craftsmanship, which aligns perfectly with our brand values. It’s been exciting to discover how I can bring a Helen Kirkum twist to their iconic silhouettes. We wanted to make sure the original shape was preserved and instead add details through upper deconstruction and reconstruction. When I first met the ASICS team, one of the things I mentioned was that their shoes are really hard to deconstruct, which is credit to their craft and process.”
The hand-made pairs come in a multitude of sizes and will be sold exclusively on NAKED CPH’s website, each costing €250 EUR (approximately $283 USD). All proceeds are to be donated to Right To Play, the global organization that protects, educates, and empowers children to rise above adversity by the power of sports and play.
Take a look at the shoes above, and pick up a pair in your size on February 25.
In case you missed it, check out HYPEBEAST’s first-ever TikTok Live which saw Kirkum collaborate with Mr. Lee.
