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Published
Jun 7, 2017
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Asics breathes new life into old fabrics in rag-rug shoe collection

Published
Jun 7, 2017

The Japanese sportswear brand has launched a new collection inspired by premodern Japan, combining traditional weaving techniques with contemporary design and a sustainable focus.


From left to right: Models Mexico 66, Lawnship 2.0 and Mexico 66 - Asics


The collection comprises three pairs: two based on the popular Asics shoe model ‘Mexico 66’ and one on the model ‘Lawnship 2.0,’ all uppers sporting boldly-coloured woven patchwork.

Collaborating with Iwate prefecture weaving studio Sansa Sakiori for the Onitsuka Tiger collection, the company paid homage to the Edo-period weaving technique of sakiori, the art of creating a fine knit from recycled fabrics. “Most of the craft is done by hand… so it creates a unique character difficult to achieve with machines,” the brand said of the Tohoku region’s artisanal craftsmanship.

Released under Asics’ fashion-inspired sports brand Onitsuka Tiger, the collection is characteristic of the line’s vintage Japanese aesthetic, revisiting the classic models of the original Onitsuka company. Founded in 1949, Onitsuka rebranded as Asics in 1977, launching in the American market and turning its focus to performance footwear in the mid-1980s.

Accompanying the collection, the brand released a short film featuring the weaving method at its partnered studio in the Japanese town of Morioka.


 


The capsule was made available as a limited release on June 3 at 6 Japanese locations, including Tokyo’s Omotesando; Shibuya; Shinsaibashi; Nagoya; Kobe; and the Onitsuka Tiger Magazine online store. The collection retails at prices between 14000 – 15000 yen (£99 - £113).

 
 

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