ASICS SPORTSTYLE hosts the ART IN MOTION collection, featuring three artists' stamps on three iconic ASICS SPORTSTYLE models. This effort is the brand's continual contribution in bolstering the creative community and culture across Southeast Asia by providing a platform to regional creatives to showcase their craft. One of the artists featured in ART IN MOTION is tobyato, who remained Esquire Singapore's favourite person to work with.
tobyato tackles the NOVABLAST (SGD229) model with a design inspired by the ying-yang philosophy. Exploring the balance of opposites, the shoes have an asymmetrical black and white tiger stripe motif on the shoes' upper that is an homage to the Chinese belief that a tiger's breath brings forth the wind. There are bits of shocking pink along with the stripes and encompasses the soles; the shoe tongues have interchangeable velcro patches.
While we champion our local talent, there are two other artists on the slate: Kenji Chai, who hails from Malaysia and Irin Arivatanaporn aka Ann from Thailand. Chai designs the GEL-1130 (SGD189), which features his signature army camo pattern and colourway from his character “Chaigo” (a portmanteau of his last name and Cantonese for stray dog). The iconic head of Chaigo can be found on the walls of KL, as well as Hong Kong, Brisbane and Tokyo, just to name a few, and is borne out of Chai's own story of survival on the streets.
Rounding up the collection is Ann's take on the JAPAN S (SGD149) model, a heritage basketball sneakers. Incorporating her characteristic doodles, the shoes are a window into the aesthetics of basketball: from the rough, traditional leather to the smooth, present-day ball and a cream colourway representing the indoor court, the JAPAN S is reconceptualised through a modern lens.
ASICS SPORTSTYLE's ART IN MOTION collection is available at the ASICS website, stores and Foot Locker Orchard Gateway. There's even a pop-up at Alchemist @ Design Orchard until 1 May and is open to the public.
