VANDYTHEPINK & ASICS Team Up on the GEL-KAYANO 12.1

VANDYTHEPINK® and ASICS are back with another ice cream-inspired sneaker collaboration.

Last year, the duo shook up social media by releasing the "Banana Split" GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 duo. For their latest linkup, the collaborators have switched over to the GEL-KAYANO 12.1, reimagining the hybrid runner in "Chocolate" and "Vanilla" makeovers. As with its predecessor, the new pack by Vandy Son is informed by the creative's dual culture life between South Korea and the United States of America.

The "Chocolate & Vanilla" KAYANOS by VANDYTHEPINK® looks to capture the memories and small cultural details that could be overshadowed by the more colorful. One nostalgic tidbit at the heart of Son's latest project with ASICS is a tribute to "Aiseu-Keki" (아이스케키), the frozen treats over which countless South Koreans would gather around in their neighborhoods in the days before convenience stores. Buying these treats from local vendors meant more than the cooling sweet—doing so represented carefree summers, community, and early childhood memories to many.

The impending GEL-KAYANO 12.1 collaboration features two unique colorways that blend Son's upbringing in South Korea with his newfound life in the U.S.

"Vanilla" and "Chocolate" pairs see white, silver, yellow, green, and pink, and white, silver, brown, and yellow color schemes, respectively. A number of intentional details are baked into the KAYANO duo—including packaging. VANDYTHEPINK®'s project marks the first time a Korean brand has brought Hangul into an ASICS collaboration.

The "Vanilla" GEL-KAYANO 12.1 receives a global release via select ASICS retailers worldwide, while the "Chocolate" edition will be available exclusively through VANDYTHEPINK® direct-to-consumer channels.

Enjoy detailed shots of the ice cream-themed retro runners ahead as you wait for the collab's Saturday, Aug. 8, release date. Download the House of Heat° (iOS/Android) to stay up-to-date on this and your other favorite drops.