DESIGNER & ULTRARUNNER
NEO-ROMANTIC RENAISSANCE
Brief:
Identify a CMF Footwear trend for Asics sporstyle. Using current events, micro and macrotrends, & consumer insights, propose a direction for a future footwear collection.
Current trends in 2024-2025 are described renaissance. An era defined by advanced momentum in the sciences, mathematics. We see concrete textures, tailored silohuettes, fashion refined to a science with an emphasis on material composition.
The romantics are quite the opposite. Historically, what comes after an era of Renaissance are the Romantics.
Neo Romanticism is rooted in the Renaissance movement but is about dreamers. In fact, so and dreamlike, it becomes abstract.
THE PALETTE
These colors are not intended to be nostalgic, but evolved interpretations of historic performance moments, shaped into a contemporary narrative.
KEY MATERIAL SELECTIONS
BRAND OVERVIEW
ASICS Sportstyle evolved to serve the lifestyle market for everyday “joggers.” Much of their product assortment in both performance and sportstyle is rooted in iterative evolutions of the Gel-Cumulus lineage.
Their audience tends to be early adopters who gravitate toward emerging trends. The Sportstyle line embraces hyper-materiality, using bold textures, experimental layering, and expressive color on a consistent silhouette. ASICS frequently collaborates with high-end designers and artists worldwide, each bringing a unique perspective to elevated basics. This creates a thoughtful juxtaposition for a brand intentionally positioned at an accessible price point.
The lever system delivers micro-adjusted heel fit throughout each phase of the gait cycle, channeling energy from midfoot touchdown into elastic propulsion at toe-off.
RELEVANT TRENDS
HYPER HYBRID TEXTURES
It draws from botanical forms, biological patterning, and crafted natural materials, then amplifies these references through engineered overlays, technical meshes, and synthetic glosses. This results in highly layered uppers, mixed tactility, and contrasting finishes that toe the line between organic structure and performance technology.
PULSE BLOCKING
Color pairings are intentionally dynamic and shift with styling choices, utilizing the color wheel to move between tonal monochromes and high-contrast complementary combinations.
LOW PROFILE STAPLES
Shoe Type | Mary JaneShape/ Silhouette | Classic, low profile,
Material | calfskin, sheepskin, full grain leather
Colors | Black, brown, neutral tones
An effortlessly elegant staple in any business casual wardrobe. The ability to dress it up or down allows the shoe to complement an outfit with a silhouette that stands the test of time.
MOD MARY JANE
Shoe Type | Mary JaneShape/ Silhouette | maximalist, chunky
Material | Knit mesh, polyester, vinyl, calfskin leather
Colors | Silver/reflective, bright, tonal with pop of color
An athleisure take on the classic Mary Jane, often featuring chunky or highly textured midsoles, bold color applications, and glossy or metallic finishes. Designed to serve as the centerpiece of an outfit.
GROUNDING
Shoe Type | BarefootShape/ Silhouette | Minimalist, second-skin
Material | calfskin, sheepskin, full grain leather
Colors | Black, brown, neutral tones
Consumers are not only buying into sustainability, but products and experiences that enhance their connection with nature.
BIO-MIMMICRY
Shoe Type | Tabby
Shape/ Silhouette | Modern, minimal, elevated
Material | Knits, cotton, linen, leather, natural fibers
Colors | Earth tones, greens, clays, browns, rose
For the non-barefoot consumer, footwear that embodies nature in form, function, and/or feel.