Fusion of design and performance. A fashion designer talks about the hidden potential of zigkinetica.Vol.01 | feature

Fusion of design and performance. A Fashion Designer Talks about the Hidden Potential of Zigkinetica Vol.01

In order to maximize the performance of athletes, sports brands are applying various technologies to their products. The ZIG KINETICA CONCEPT TYPE 1 released by Reebok is one such product. The ZIG KINETICA CONCEPT TYPE 1 is the successor to the ZIG TECH, which boasted such high performance that it was banned from being worn in certain marathon competitions. The design was created by Ian Paley of Garbstore, who has a close relationship with this brand. We asked fashion designers who have collaborated with Reebok in the past to inspect the new model, which combines performance and stylish design. This time, Hiroaki Shimono of "With Limited" joins us. What did he think of this item?

Photo_Fumihiko Ikemoto

Text_Yuichiro Tsuji

Edit_Hiroshi Yamamoto

PROFILE

Hiroaki Shimono

Born in 1976, he is the representative of LUMP co.,ltd. He is the designer of "With Limited", which is based on the concept of "INDIVIDUAL CLOTHING".

I'm still curious about new technology and would like to try it out if I could.

Mr. Shimono, when did you first become interested in sneakers?

Lower field:It was when I was in the upper grades of elementary school that I wanted a particular model. They were sports brand sneakers, and I remember wanting them so badly that I asked my parents to buy them for me. I've forgotten most of my memories from elementary school, but I remember those memories vividly.

Did you get more and more into sneakers from there?

Lower field:I have always played sports. I played soccer in elementary school, basketball and tennis in middle school, and only basketball after entering high school. So I always wanted to wear cool models, and on the other hand, I also pursued functionality. Things like fit, ease of running, and so on.

So you were choosing something that had both function and design.

Lower field:When I play sports, yes. Even now, I am interested in new technology and want to try it out when I can. But I don't care so much about functionality when I wear them on the street.

The "Jig Tech," released in 2009, was characterized by its uniquely shaped zigzag outsole. The "Zig Kinetica Concept Type 1" inherits the same shape, but updates it to a simpler form.

What criteria do you use to select items to wear around town?

Lower field:I don't have any particular criteria. I don't care whether classic or high-tech is better. I look at shoes as just one part of a coordinated look, so they don't play a leading role. If I don't have them at home, I look for shoes that are sold somewhere. Basically, there are clothes.

Do you see any trends among them?

Lower field:I tend to wear mostly sports brand items. For better or worse, I am an omnivore, so I like models of all brands, including classic items and high-tech ones, of course. If it's Reebok, I like the pump series.