KIKO'S LUXURY ASICS LINE IS FOR THE PRACTICE OF EVERYDAY LIFE

Whenever I dare to think that Kiko Kostadinov and ASICS are winding things down I'm proven wrong, because, in truth, there’s always another collaboration around the corner. Guaranteed.

This time, though, said collaboration is a little more complex than just another revamp of archival ASICS silhouette, as it is instead the launch of a brand new high-end clothing fashion line between the pair titled NOVALIS.

According to a statement, the collection is designed out of a "belief that good clothes should be rooted in usefulness, comfort and pleasure," and intends to "blend in with consumers’ wardrobes rather than being loud statement pieces."

It goes on to emphasise that NOVALIS will focus on function and simplicity and evoke a refreshing "no-nonsense rejection of the superficially spectacular in favour of subtle elegance."

The new minimalistic and logo-less line is expected to launch at Paris Fashion Week later this year, before landing in stores like Dover Street Market and The Broken Arm in early 2024.

As has become the case with anything Kiko tries his hand at nowadays: the collection won’t come cheap, with prices ranging from $260 for water-repellent cargos, $420 for bomber jackets, and $520 for nylon parkas.

Only last week Highsnobiety’s Sam Cole described Kiko’s involvement at ASICS as the best thing to have ever happened to the Japanese label — and I’d be inclined to agree.

Since their first link-up back in 2018 Kiko and ASICS have thrived, dropping countless sought-after collaborations in the process, some of which have been flipped for way above retail which, in today’s sneaker society, is a positive sign.

Following the news of Novalis, Kiko took to IG to describe the launch as “A New Chapter” and while, sure, it might be a new chapter for the pair in terms of an actual line, I’m pretty certain it’ll be service as usual when it comes to delivering luxury and highly sought-after gear.