Exclusive: Gallery Dept. Creates an Entirely New Silhouette for Latest Asics Collaboration
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For his second Asics collaboration, Josué Thomas not only put together a trio of compelling colorways replete with personal nods. The Gallery Dept. founder also created an entirely new silhouette.
Before month’s end, Thomas — through his renowned Los Angeles-based fashion label — and Asics will introduce the Gel-K1011, a new sneaker that features elements from the Gel-Kayano 10, the Gel-Kayano 6 and the Gel-Kayano 5, as well as other classics from the Japanese sportswear company.
Specifically, the uppers includes details sourced from the Gel-Kayano 5 (the tongue loop), Gel-Kayano 6 and Gel-Kayano 10 (the tiger stripes), and the tooling comes from the Gel-Cumulus 17. The tech includes Asics’ Trusstic innovation at the midfoot for support, as well as rear and forefoot Gel cushioning for shock absorption and layered Flytefoam and Flytefoam Propel for comfort.
Aside from the shoe’s colorways, the new model’s name is also deeply personal to Thomas. The Asics Gel-K1011 pays tribute to Apartment 1011, which is where he first discovered his passion for both sports and fitness.
“We are very intentional with the partners we choose to work with and we particularly aim to align with partners who have a unique style and individual story to share,” Asics North America senior director of merchandising Kelly Fatouretchi told FN. “This is not the first time we have partnered with Josue and the Gallery Dept. team and we were excited to see Josue’s creativity and perspective shine as we took on this second project and developed the Gel-K1011.”
As for the collaboration’s three colorways, each one was inspired by a different part of Thomas’ creative journey. For instance, the “Black/White” look was created as an homage to one of his favorite artists, and the “Khaki/Clay Canyon” look is a nod to trail running. Also, the “White/Pure Silver” iteration was described as a “crisp, clean take on classic sports aesthetics” and “designed for universal appeal.”
The three limited-edition Gallery Dept. x Asics Gel-K1011 colorways arrive Dec. 6 exclusively in Gallery Dept. stores. An online release via Gallerydept.com will take place Dec. 7 and then select retailers globally will offer the shoe on Dec. 12. Retail price for the “Black/White” look is $325 and the other colorways will sell for $295.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
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