Model: GEL-LYTE III "Beauty Of Imperfection"
Release Date: February 26
Price: TBC
Buy: Online at AFEW
Editor's Notes: It's difficult to think of the ASICS GEL-LYTE III without thinking of KITH's Ronnie Fieg. The American designer's work with the silhouette is some of the most celebrated and desired of its catalog, most notably, the "Salmon Toe" colorway and, most recently, "The Palette" pack.
Although Fieg's efforts may be the most prominent, but that's not to say that any other brands or designer's remixes on the sneaker should be overlooked.
Some notable releases from within the past year include the shades-of-red palette of Concepts and Sean Wotherspoon's rainbow affair.
In kicking off a strong start to the year, ASICS has teamed up with long-time partners, Düsseldorf-based retailer AFEW, to provide one of the sneaker's cleanest renders yet.
Dubbed the "Beauty Of Imperfection," this style pairs the classic build of the GEL-LYTE III with traditional wabi-sabi aesthetics. The term wabi-sabi described a Japanese aesthetic and world centered on the acceptance of imperfection, which is reflected in the sneaker's wear-away upper.
The pale green, purple, beige, and gum pair are a beauty to behold – featuring a first of its kind for the silhouette leather heel mold, printed cork insoles, stitched heel logos, and wear away branding along the upper.
Not that the silhouette is in need of any kind of revival, but if it were, AFEW's rendition would probably be able to do it single-handedly, as these are well deserving of a top spot ranking for the ever-popular model.
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