London-based sustainable fashion label STORY mfg. has partnered with ASICS to reinterpret the GEL-VENTURE 6 silhouette. The collaboration features two distinct gingham colorways and will be celebrated with a special event at The Truman Brewery in East London.
The two colorways—"Reddish Brown" and "Vanilla Violet Quartz"—showcase STORY mfg.'s signature nature-inspired palette. The "Reddish Brown" adopts earthy tones while the "Vanilla Violet Quartz" combines soft lilac with ecru. Both designs incorporate breathable mesh uppers with gingham check overlays, creating a handcrafted aesthetic on the trail-inspired sneaker.
A notable design element is the unique woven-style lacing system. This feature draws from co-founder Saeed Al-Rubeyi's teenage memories in Baghdad, where he observed local skaters creatively styling their laces. Each pair includes two sets of laces for customization options.
The collaboration represents STORY mfg.'s first venture into sneaker design. Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Saeed and Katy Al-Rubeyi, the brand has built its reputation on slow-made, ethical fashion practices. The partnership with ASICS merges this thoughtful approach with functional athletic design.
Branding appears split across the shoes—STORY mfg.'s logo on the right tongue and ASICS on the left. The sneakers maintain the GEL-VENTURE 6's technical features, including heel detailing and gel-cushioned outsoles for comfort and support.
To mark the release, STORY mfg. will host a two-day event at The Truman Brewery on April 18-19. Visitors will receive a vegan cookie, oat milk, a sewing needle, and STORY mfg. fabric scraps. Guests can contribute embroidery to a communal Geodome centerpiece, representing collective creativity.
The sneakers are priced at $133 USD and will be available through STORY mfg. websites. For additional information about the release event, visit STORY mfg.'s Instagram.