adidas Consortium Sneaker Exchange - KITH X NAKED

New York City’s KITH has rocketed to global prominence in recent years, propelling director Ronnie Fieg to streetwear superstardom. NAKED, the Copenhagen-based store, is one of Europe’s premier destination for women’s sneakers and contemporary sportswear. Perhaps more than any other retailer, NAKED has actively supported a strong female standing in this otherwise male-dominated realm. After their stand-out collaborations with adidas Consortium last year, KITH and NAKED unite in 2017 for a real highlight release and brand new model, the NMD CS2.

Sneaker Exchange brings two retailers together and challenges them to overcome geographic and aesthetic differences. KITH and NAKED collaborated on a product that captures the essence of their enterprises. The result is the striking, ultra-contemporary NMD CS2 - a new, sock-like silhouette which abandons the conventional lacing system. It is an aesthetic that speaks to both genders, and defies peoples' expectations as to what male or female sneakers are supposed to be. 

The white BOOST™ sole and the removal of the lacing allow for increased focus on the CS2’s vibrant and textured upper. The inspiration here is high resolution imagery of powder paints colliding and exploding, several bold hues scattering in every direction. This array has been captured in the Primeknit pattern on both models: one in predominately pink, its counterpart in shades of sandstone. The outcome: captivating views from every angle.

Three stripes run from the top of the tongue to the tip of the sneakers’ toe while the elasticated and asymmetric top-line provides fastening and contributes to the ultra-modern aesthetic. Details aside, the idea that Kith and Naked can equally see value in these models for both males and females is a testament to how much the sneaker industry has grown in recent years. This project also showcases the mutual respect between both collaborators for their incredible track records, as well as their futures to come.

 KITH and NAKED – two collaborators come together, colliding, fusing, exploding and capturing that split-second as the moment of inspiration behind their design.