GALLERY DEPT. and ASICS Officially Announce Their Paint-Splattered GT-2160 Collaboration
Each pair of the paint-splattered runner features unique embellishments.
Update: GALLERY DEPT. and ASICS’ GT-2160 collaboration has received an official release date. First revealed in September, the paint-splattered sneaker is inspired by GALLERY DEPT. founder Josué Thomas’ creative process while painting, and how his shoes’ look changes over the course of a project. “The inspiration for this new collaborative shoe stems from moments of reflection and mindfulness in my studio,” Thomas noted. “Seeing how my own ASICS shoes visually changed over time while working on art projects, I was inspired to replicate that concept of individualism as we developed this new GT-2160.”
The GALLERY DEPT. x ASICS GT-2160 features multicolor paint splatters over its midfoot and forefoot, a bold contrast with its crisp silver-and-black heel. Thanks to a special production method, each pair features its own unique splatter pattern to ensure that no two are identical. Expect the new style to touch down via the ASICS webstore and select retailers come December 15, and read the original story below for more info.
Original Story: ASICS is pulling no punches with its GT-2160 revival: it’s only been back on the market since June, and has already been spotlighted in a campaign with new brand ambassador Stefon Diggs as well as getting re-works from Dime, Above the Clouds and Cecilie Bahnsen. Now, another prestigious collaborative partner is set to join that roster, as early images of a pair of GT-2160s created by GALLERY DEPT. have surfaced online.
The tightly-cropped photos don’t offer a complete look at the shoe’s makeup, but they do reveal a few key details. Chief among these are a co-branded yellow insole (GALLERY DEPT.’s signature color) and a yellow GALLERY DEPT. hangtag below the ASICS branding on the lateral heel. White, silver and black mesh appear to take over a lion’s share of the upper, with bright blue detailing providing a pop of flair.
A tight shot of the tongue shows what seem to be multicolored paint splatters on the forefoot, indicating that the shoes have been painted by GALLERY DEPT. founder Josue Thomas. Fans of either brand may recall that in the past, Thomas splattered paint on a GEL-LYTE V for a special release, but where that was a bespoke project — of which GALLERY DEPT. has done several — this appears to be an official collaboration.
Release details have yet to be revealed, but the GALLERY DEPT. x ASICS GT-2160 will likely touch down later this year on the GALLERY DEPT. webstore and potentially the brand’s new Art That Kills platform.
For more from the world of footwear, check out the latest installment of Hypebeast’s Sole Mates, a weekly series that spotlights notable individuals in street culture and the connection they share with their favorite shoes.