Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS SportStyle are proud to announce their sixth collaboration with the GEL-KAYANOTM 20.
True to the partnership’s previous designs, the latest collection combines functionality and femininity.
A continuation of Bahnsen’s original Mary Jane silhouette, the design reimagines sculptural detailing and a half-tongue construction. Following a visit to the ASICS archive in Kobe, Cecilie drew inspiration from a 2005 marathon tabi shoe, incorporating its asymmetrical lacing and D-ring hardware. The resulting design is a fusion of past and future: a technical trainer imbued with couture-level intricacy.
“This is a new take on the original ASICS Mary Jane we designed, but something more sculptural, with even more contrast (…)
I loved the asymmetrical lacing from the marathon tabi, and could immediately imagine it with our signature flower detailing used as lace locks”.
Cecilie Bahnsen
A key element of the design is the floral ‘cage’, a 3D structure formed from Cecilie Bahnsen’s signature flower motif. Layered with ASICS’ Stripe, reflective threads, and contrasting overlays, it creates a delicate interplay of rigidity and softness. Negative space adds lightness and depth to the silhouette.
The GEL-KAYANOTM 20 shoe arrives in two colorways: olive and vanilla/pure silver. These two variations combine metallics, florals, and natural fabrics to merge softness with structure in true Bahnsen style. Both are designed with ASICS’ signature GEL technology and a TRUSSTIC system for all-day support.
Shot on the streets of Paris, the campaign captures the interplay between movement, form, and athleticism. Featuring contortionist Heejin Diamond, a series of choreographed poses reflect the poetic tension between strength and delicacy. Sculptural dresses move with ease alongside the dynamic energy of ASICS footwear, celebrating the synergy between Bahnsen’s romantic aesthetic and the technical precision of ASICS.
The Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS GEL-KAYANOTM 20 will pre-launch on ceciliebahnsen.com on May 2nd. A global release will follow on ASICS.com and at select retailers on May 16th. The sneakers will be available in two iterations: vanilla/pure silver and olive, priced at €220.
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