ASICS SportStyle and Nanushka, the contemporary fashion brand founded by Sandra Sándor in 2006, are collaborating for the first time on the limited-edition GEL-KINETIC FLUENT sneakers, as part of the Crafts for Mind Project.
Combining ASICS’ movement-focused design philosophy with Nanushka’s commitment to sustainability and in celebration of a major milestone, Sandra Sándor, Founder and Creative Director of Nanushka, says on the pairing: “Collaborating with ASICS for Nanushka’s first sneaker felt instinctive, given our shared emphasis on movement and design integrity.
Nanushka x ASICS SportStyle
ASICS has always been my go-to for sneakers that prioritise movement, aligning perfectly with my personal design ethos. Organic forms in nature are a key source of inspiration, fuelling both my creativity and personal sense of balance. This collaboration marks an exciting milestone for Nanushka as we step into a new decade and honour the brand’s 20th anniversary.”
The partnership is also part of the ASICS Sportstyle Crafts for Mind Project, and Nanushka has teamed up with Mind Over Mountains, a not-for-profit organisation that combines nature walks, mindfulness, and professional coaching to promote mental health and well-being, with a portion of the collaboration’s profits to be donated to the charity initiatives.
Inspired by the great outdoors too, Sandra continues, “My creative inspiration is rooted in immersion in nature. The collaboration reflects this, while combining Nanushka’s intricate attention to detail and craft. Hand-crocheted embroidery felt like a natural extension of our brand’s craftsmanship, seamlessly integrating elements from our accessories and ready-to-wear collections.”
Nanushka x ASICS SportStyle
The exclusive GEL-KINETIC FLUENT sneakers draw influence from ASICS’ archived running shoes and materials sourced from Nanushka’s archive. Arlette Johan-Schreurs, ASICS SMU Footwear Senior Specialist stated: “The Gel Fluent is a brand-new silhouette that combines our running heritage with our latest technology, so it’s really interesting to see how Nanushka has embroidered the shoe with crochet, giving it a hand-crafted and bespoke touch.”
Available in black and grey, the unisex sneakers incorporate Nanushka’s signature design code with hand-embroidery cross stitch overlaid onto the recognisable ASICS side panel pattern. There’s also technical cord lace, and silver hardware featuring the Nanushka ‘N’ Monogram as a cord stopper, and built-in neoprene socks for comfort.
In one last homage to the outdoors and the calming landscape of the Lake Balaton highlands, an area where Sandra often spends time, the sneakers also don an illustrative woven patch on the tongue.
by Felicity Carter
The Nanushka x ASICS collaboration will be exclusively available at nanushka.com, Nanushka Flagship Stores in London and New York, and at Dover Street Market London from the 25th of March.