The Airei x Asics Gel-Quantum Kinetic Birch Releases May 2024

Published May 1, 2024

Los Angeles-based fashion label Airei continues its innovative collaboration with Asics, pushing the boundaries of footwear design and wearable art. Known for their unique approach to fashion and materials, Airei brings another distinctive creation to the Asics lineup. This time, they present a new iteration of the Gel-Quantum Kinetic model, dubbed Birch, which follows their earlier release featuring black burnable gauze.

The Airei x Asics Gel-Quantum Kinetic Birch is not just a sneaker; it's a piece of art, embodying the spirit of perseverance and the beauty of handcrafted design. This exclusive release features khadi gauze, a fabric traditionally made without electricity in Eastern India, covering the already-released Birch Dark Taupe colorway of the Gel-Quantum Kinetic. This fabric choice adds a unique texture and appearance and carries a deep symbolic meaning related to sustainability and manual craftsmanship.

Each pair is hand-finished with natural colored thread stitched at the heel by Airei's studio, emphasizing the personalized touch and dedication involved in each shoe. In line with Airei’s Spring-Summer ‘24 collection theme, WINDHORSE, these shoes are designed to represent the indomitable spirit within each individual. The shoes are engulfed in delicate gauze, which is then ceremonially set aflame, creating a visually striking scar on each pair, symbolizing trials overcome and beauty found in resilience.

The Airei x Asics Gel-Quantum Kinetic Birch will release exclusively on May 3, 2024, at Dover Street Market NYC. Limited to 50 pairs, the sneaker will retail for $265. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for real-time updates on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.