Kiko Kostadinov x Asics “GEL-Kiril”

Kiko Kostadinov x Asics

GEL-Kiril

Release: 4/18/20

Retail: $229

Resell: $300+ (last color way)

Kiko Kostadinov is a fashion designer based in London. The GEL-Kiril is his first signature silhouette with Asics, and he is here to make a statement. The style has three color ways, “Cilantro” which is a green and white that released in February, “Ice Mint” pictured above, and an all black. The shoe uses a colorful patent leather, over a color-blocked mesh-lined base. Though the patent leather is layered on top of the mesh base, and not necessarily woven through, the pattern executed gives picnic basket vibes, given the illusion of a multi-color weave. A rubber toe is extended all the way up and over the toe box. Just incase you wanted to test your Michael Jackson tip-toe move, perhaps. There is also a giant Asics “A” logo on the back heel of the shoe.

This shoe is so ugly, I love it. Fashion designers nowadays really have to think outside of the box, what is something that has never been done before, that is going to turn some heads. Whether you love this shoe or you hate it, it is going to do just that. If you’re in PR you may say no publicity is bad publicity. If you’re an art teacher, you can turn a stool upside down and call it art. A fashion designer can take the ugliest thing in the world, put their name and a hefty price tag on it, and call it resell-able. If the consumer likes you, they’re going to buy it. You may think it is crazy, but if you believe in yourself the ability to rock it, you can.

Being that it is Asics, and not Nike, there is going to be a niche group of people who do go for this. I would give this one to the real “sneaker fans” who buy from all brands to test out the new tech features, and admire the detail that put it together in the first place. Sneakerheads aren’t necessarily going to buy these, because they’re probably hating on Asics and trying to buy a box logo tee for the same price. I think $230 is a hefty retail tag for my current sneaker funds. But I am super into this color way, specifically.