Danish design brand Hay and Japanese sportswear brand ASICS have created a collection of suede-and-leather trainers and accessories in “soft hues” that launched during annual festival 3 Days of Design.

Hay‘s colourful design for ASICS is a reimagining of the brand’s Skyhand OG model, which was first launched in 1994.

The trainers come in a variety of pastel hues

“ASICS proposed working on this specific model, and we immediately embraced the idea of reviving a classic design, so we were enthusiastic from the start,” Hay co-founder Mette Hay told Dezeen.

“Its design is appealing to almost anyone.”

They mark the first time Hay has designed footwear

To update the shoe, which launched as the annual design festival 3 Days of Design kicks off in Copenhagen, Hay gave it a new colour palette using the saturated ice cream hues that the Danish brand has become known for.

The same colours were used for the matching branded Everyday Socks and a logo bag that are also included in the collection.

“Colour has always been a crucial aspect of my work, including in this collection,” Hay explained.

The collection also includes socks and a logo bag

She looked to existing Hay designs for the trainer collaboration – especially the brand’s nightwear line, which launched last year.

“While developing the colour palette, we quickly decided it should reference existing Hay designs,” she said.

“This led us to the Outline Pyjama Collection by Tilde Bjerregaard, whose soft hues translated to the Skyhand OG beautifully – this isn’t always a given, as colours don’t always ‘work’ the same way across different materials and textures.”

The Skyhand OG trainers were redeveloped for the launch and now feature FlyteFoam in the forefoot and EVA foam in the heel to add comfort and cushioning.

The upper is made from a suede and leather mix and features the logos of both brands.

ASICS and Hay’s logos are featured on the shoe

This marks the first time that the brand has designed footwear, an industry that Hay finds fascinating.

“I find the sneaker industry interesting, captivated by its pace and continuous innovation,” Hay said.

“Additionally, I appreciate that some sneakers can appeal to and be worn by multiple generations: my mother, myself, and my children can all wear the same shoe.”

The colours were informed by Hay’s sleepwear

While the brand isn’t currently planning to launch any other fashion pieces, Hay is keeping the door to future fashion collections open.

“While I wouldn’t say this is a wider move into fashion for Hay, it has been rewarding to work in this direction with ASICS,” Hay said.

“Fashion has always been a key reference for Hay and I look forward to what’s to come in the future.”

The shoes have a leather-and-suede upper

The ASICS x Hay Skyhand OG trainers will initially be available in emerald green, pale blue and pink colours, with lilac and brown hues to be introduced in autumn.

Other recent trainer designs on Dezeen include a modular and disassemblable trainer by Camper and a futuristic Fendi trainer by architect Ma Yansong.

The photography is courtesy of Hay.

3 Days of Design takes place at venues across Copenhagen from 12 to 14 June. See our 3 Days of Design 2024 guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about the many other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the event.

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