We spent time really considering how the apparel and shoes connect and the message that sends. Always with Y-3, you see the very best of Yohji Yamamoto and the very best of Y-3.

Now into its 15th year of fashion matrimony, the collaboration between sportswear giants adidas and master tailor Yohji Yamamoto has seen a seamless diffusion between functional streetwear and unique design. With the modern-day collection from Y-3 adopting techwear sensibilities, it’s no surprise that their newest collection harnesses the light and tight feel of techwear upon its founder’s monochromatic colour palette.

The new season saw deconstructed aesthetic dialled to the max and that theme sits perfectly on the debuting Kaiwa silhouette. The chunky runner still shows a streamlined sensibility with its Orca like qualities, a clean and uncomplicated design that spices it up with contrasting detailing and a mixed material of neoprene and black leather. With its midsole protrusions to the block white foam sole unit, this silhouette has been quoted by Vogue as taking design cues from French artist César’s Expansion with it’s bulbous and seemingly unpredictable shapes, or as we noted similar to fragments of bone, especially in their contrasting white as ever displaying Yohji’s intrinsically avant-garde ideas even on an athletically designed model such as the Kaiwa.

Sometimes accidents happen when outfit and sneaker not mix; but in this accident can find a new sensitivity, a new balance. It’s a gift and we’re enjoying that gift.

With this initial drop and an inverse colourway presented on the runway, you can guarantee this isn’t the only run out for this bold new offering from the collaboration.

 

Y-3 Kaiwa Drops At Aphrodite1994 August 3rd