Summary:
- VANDYTHEPINK and ASICS released two new GEL-KAYANO 12.1 sneakers.
- The design includes Hangul and honors Korean frozen treats called Aiseu-Keki.
- The global rollout occurred throughout August 2026.
VANDYTHEPINK and ASICS partnered to create two distinct versions of the GEL-KAYANO 12.1 sneaker. Junghoon Vandy Son chose this specific silhouette because he frequently wears the model. The collaboration draws directly from his 17 years growing up in South Korea and his subsequent 20 years living in the United States. The project blends his foundational Korean identity with his American streetwear design experience.
The design focuses on a specific cultural memory. Son honors Aiseu-Keki. This term refers to a nostalgic Korean frozen treat. Children and adults gathered around neighborhood vendors on hot afternoons to buy these ice creams. The sneakers reflect these childhood summers before convenience stores became common. Son translates these early cultural experiences into wearable footwear for a global audience. The brand transforms everyday nostalgia into collectible design pieces for your wardrobe.
You will find two distinct color options in this release. The Vanilla edition launched globally through select ASICS retailers. You secure your pair of the Chocolate edition exclusively through VANDYTHEPINK direct-to-consumer channels. Both pairs feature subtle Korean phrases printed on the shoes and the custom packaging. This marks the first time a Korean brand placed Hangul on a GEL-KAYANO 12.1 sneaker. The creators intentionally hid these details to reward buyers who inspect their footwear closely. The packaging tells the story of two cultures shaping the designer.
The launch included several physical and digital events. VANDYTHEPINK hosted a release experience in Los Angeles on August 1 and 2. A New York pop-up followed at Complex on August 8. You purchased the sneakers online through the VANDYTHEPINK website on August 8. The global footwear release reached ASICS stockists worldwide on August 14. You acquired the accompanying apparel collection exclusively through the VANDYTHEPINK pop-ups and official website. The clothing references the same nostalgic themes found in the footwear.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.
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