It’s a good time to be an Asics collaborator. Long known for its performance running silhouettes, the Japanese athletic brand has seriously leveled up its lifestyle offerings over the last couple of years, thanks to its ever-popular Gel-Kayano line and a string of banger collabs with the likes of Kiko Kostadinov, JJJJound, and Brain Dead. Now, A.P.C.—which last linked with Asics in 2022—is back playing doubles with the sneaker specialists for a smash-hit collection of tennis-inspired gear.
The collection, set to launch next month ahead of the ATP Tour’s European swing, is a smart triangulation of vibes: A.P.C.’s timeless Parisian style; Asics’ technical excellence; and the sport of tennis’s ongoing hyper-relevance in fashion circles. The drop is full of the sort of court-ready threads you’d expect from A.P.C.—simple silhouettes and mostly neutral tones (though a gradient set meshes greenish blue and blush pink beautifully)—as well as some off-court pieces that pull inspiration from classic tennis style.
The real stars of the show, however, are the sneaker offerings. The brands jammed on a couple of Asics’ reliable tennis silhouettes, the Gel Resolution and the Solution Speed FF3. But more likely to make waves are the two Gel-Kayano 14 colorways, both of which are imbued with the sort of ease and elegance you’d expect from an A.P.C. collaboration. There’s a clean white pair and a tonal navy blue version, both of which feature reflective metallic accents and are set atop classic gum soles.
Collaborations this seamless are a rare thing, and it’d be a shock if this were the last we saw of this particular partnership. For now, though, the Asics x A.P.C. collection goes on sale April 5.
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