Fashion - Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com Modern Industrial Design News Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:47:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 Isaac Monté transforms Lady Dior bags into crystallized artifacts https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/21/isaac-monte-transforms-lady-dior-bags-into-crystallized-artifacts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=isaac-monte-transforms-lady-dior-bags-into-crystallized-artifacts Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:50:12 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=547182

Isaac Monté transforms Lady Dior bags into crystallized artifacts

The iconic Lady Dior handbag, a symbol of timeless elegance, has been given a radical and mesmerizing transformation by Belgian designer Isaac Monté. In a...
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The iconic Lady Dior handbag, a symbol of timeless elegance, has been given a radical and mesmerizing transformation by Belgian designer Isaac Monté. In a project commissioned by Dior for their new Vienna flagship, Monté has applied his signature crystallization process to these coveted accessories, turning them into unique, glimmering artifacts. This collaboration, showcased by Spazio Nobile gallery, highlights the fascinating intersection of high fashion and material experimentation.

Designer: Isaac Monté

Monté’s “Crystallized” series is an ongoing exploration that began with vases and has now extended to the windows of Dior boutiques and the Lady Dior itself. The inspiration behind this series lies in the natural beauty of stalagmites and other mineral formations. Monté views time as a crucial element in his sculptural process, allowing each piece to develop organically based on the chemical reactions within its environment. The process of crystallizing the Lady Dior handbags is described as painstaking, involving the meticulous layering of minerals and oxides. This technique, honed by Monté over a decade, allows him to create faceted surfaces that are both bold and delicate. The resulting texture and sheen shift with the light, giving the handbags the appearance of being adorned with natural gemstones.

A key aspect of Monté’s work is the embrace of natural intervention. Unlike traditional manufacturing processes that rely on molds or machines, each crystallized Lady Dior grows uniquely. This means that no two handbags are alike in terms of color, structure, or surface finish. This inherent unpredictability and singularity are central to the philosophical underpinnings of Monté’s art. “It’s about patience,” the artist explains. “About letting nature intervene in the act of making.” This philosophy stands in stark contrast to the fast-paced world of fashion, where replication and standardization are often the norm. Monté’s work with Dior invites a slower, more contemplative appreciation of the objects, emphasizing the beauty of natural processes and the passage of time.

By treating the Lady Dior as a piece of “living architecture,” Monté has elevated the handbag beyond its functional purpose. The crystallized surfaces evoke a sense of history and geological wonder, transforming a fashion icon into a unique work of art. This collaboration between Isaac Monté and Dior, facilitated by Spazio Nobile, demonstrates how material experimentation and an appreciation for natural processes can lead to breathtakingly beautiful and thought-provoking results. The crystallized Lady Dior handbags are not merely display objects; they are visceral testaments to the alchemical power of time and nature’s artistry.

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Full Metal Jacket gets a gleaming gold edition https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/18/full-metal-jacket-gets-a-gleaming-gold-edition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=full-metal-jacket-gets-a-gleaming-gold-edition Fri, 18 Apr 2025 17:00:55 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=546839

Full Metal Jacket gets a gleaming gold edition

Vollebak has consistently pushed the boundaries of material science and fashion, and their latest iteration of the Full Metal Jacket is no exception. Following the...
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Vollebak has consistently pushed the boundaries of material science and fashion, and their latest iteration of the Full Metal Jacket is no exception. Following the groundbreaking original and a stainless steel version, they’ve now unveiled the Gold Edition, a truly radical piece of wearable technology that redefines what a jacket can be. Originally launched in 2020, the Full Metal Jacket was born from an exploration into the potential of copper. This metal, renowned for its natural antibacterial, antiviral, and conductive properties, takes centre stage in this gleaming gold edition. Vollebak has masterfully woven over 11 kilometres of fine copper thread into a high-performance garment that is as much a visual statement as it is a feat of engineering.

Designer: Vollebak

The jacket’s construction is a testament to innovation. Hundreds of thousands of moving copper parts work together, creating a dynamic silhouette that seems to warp and ripple like water in the light. This isn’t just about aesthetics; the sheer amount of copper lends the jacket its inherent anti-microbial properties, a concept that first garnered attention for the original Full Metal Jacket, earning it the moniker of “the virus-killing coat of the future” by Wired and a spot on TIME’s Best Inventions list. Beyond its futuristic appearance and health-conscious construction, the Gold Edition of the Full Metal Jacket is a high-performance piece designed with functionality in mind. It boasts a three-layered material engineered in Switzerland by Schoeller, comprising 59.5% copper, along with polyurethane, polyamide, and other metals. This composition ensures the jacket is not only striking but also highly waterproof, windproof, and breathable.

Practicality hasn’t been overlooked. The jacket features a fully seam-sealed construction for maximum waterproofness and a total of seven pockets to keep your essentials secure. These include fleece-lined zipped side pockets, giant front bellows pockets with storm flaps, zipped upper chest pockets, and an internal zipped pocket. Details like the heavy-duty two-way metal front zipper, adjustable cuffs with metal snaps, and water-resistant Riri zippers further underscore the jacket’s premium construction. A high front collar with a fleece-lined chinguard adds an extra layer of comfort and protection.

While the Gold Edition is produced in extremely limited quantities and is available via pre-order, its conceptual impact on the future of technical fashion is significant. Vollebak continues to challenge conventional ideas about clothing, transforming industrial-grade metal into a wearable second skin that blends cutting-edge science with avant-garde design. This jacket isn’t just clothing; it’s a conversation starter, a collector’s item, and a bold step into the future of what our garments can be.

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ASUS Brings Earth, Emotion, and Engineering Together at Milan Design Week 2025 https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/16/asus-brings-earth-emotion-and-engineering-together-at-milan-design-week-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=asus-brings-earth-emotion-and-engineering-together-at-milan-design-week-2025 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 22:30:56 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=546496

ASUS Brings Earth, Emotion, and Engineering Together at Milan Design Week 2025

Inside the vaulted Galleria Meravigli, something other than fashion or furniture stole the scene at this year’s Milan Design Week. ASUS arrived not with product...
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Inside the vaulted Galleria Meravigli, something other than fashion or furniture stole the scene at this year’s Milan Design Week. ASUS arrived not with product displays but with a full-on sensory encounter. The exhibition, titled Design You Can Feel, unfolded across a series of spatial experiences—from sculptural installations to textured laptops that hum with the energy of Icelandic lava and Maldivian surf. This exhibition moved beyond messaging—it was full sensory participation.

Designer: ASUS

Willful Wonder, the centerpiece installation by Studio INI, greeted guests with fluid, wing-like panels that moved in rhythm with each step. Every step triggered movement. Touch fed into sensors, and those signals morphed into reactive, AI-generated visuals that shifted in real time. As visitors moved, the sculpture responded—flexing, folding, revealing, and resetting with each gesture. Material design met behavioral input without screens or instructions.

ASUS built the entire exhibition on three themes: materiality, craftsmanship, and artificial intelligence. These weren’t just taglines; they were baked into the surfaces of every object on display, especially the laptops.

Four Finishes, Four Stories

The Zenbook Ceraluminum Signature Edition series debuted as a tactile tribute to nature’s most evocative terrains. ASUS moved past brushed metal and predictable silhouettes. Each variant in the collection became a study in geological storytelling.

Obsidian Black draws from the volcanic force of Geldingadalir in Iceland. Laser sintering sculpts the surface, mimicking the movement of lava frozen in time. There’s a tangible duality between gloss and matte that feels like magma cooling mid-motion.

Pamukkale White channels Turkey’s cascading terraces. Its soft sheen and gold accents emerge from CNC diamond cutting—light bends and bounces along every curve, like mineral-rich water sliding over travertine steps.

Terra Mocha reaches into Jordan’s Wadi Rum. Its rosette-like geometry emerges not from surface prints, but from within the material, shaped entirely through ASUS’s own ceramization technique. You don’t see the pattern—you sense it, like the grip of sandstone under palm.

Luminous Blue is the most ethereal. Inspired by Vaadhoo Island’s glowing tides, its surface dances under ambient light thanks to calibrated laser-induced oxidation. It shimmers, pulses, disappears in shade, and returns in reflection.

These designs weren’t made for decoration. They were shaped with geological intent, built to retain the memory of the environments that inspired them.

Ceraluminum: Skin and Skeleton

What connects these finishes isn’t aesthetic alone. It’s the material itself—Ceraluminum™. ASUS spent four years developing this patented ceramic-aluminum hybrid. No pigments are used, and no acids are involved. The surface is formed by exposing aluminum to precise voltage and mineral inputs through a high-voltage water-based process. That creates a hard, scratch-resistant shell with three times the fracture toughness of anodized aluminum.

It’s not a coating. It is the surface. The hues and porosity are intrinsic, not sprayed on. ASUS refers to this as “modern alchemy.” Fair. It balances mass reduction, structural strength, and textural richness with zero chemical runoff. And it’s 100% recyclable.

The first laptop to feature it fully was the Zenbook A14, already available in Iceland Gray and Zabriskie Beige. At 2.18 pounds and measuring just 0.53 inches at its thinnest, it showed the material’s production potential. The Signature Editions expand that ambition with storytelling built into every curve.

Engineering, Hidden in Plain Sight

Every Signature Zenbook includes top-tier hardware. Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors and Intel Arc graphics drive the experience. Up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD handle creative workloads without lag. The vapor chamber cooling system keeps noise low and heat down.

ASUS Lumina OLED displays—3K, 120Hz—show off deep blacks, punchy highlights, and subtle midtones. The sound system is Harman Kardon-certified. There’s a dedicated Copilot key, and the glass touchpad supports smart gestures. No spec is tacked on. Every feature serves a purpose.

The machines feel as refined inside as they do on the outside. Even the sleeves—made from Kvadrat Febrik’s Arda textile—extend the story. Woven from wool using water-efficient methods, they provide grip, protection, and texture.

Not a Concept. Not a Campaign.

Zenbook Signature Editions are real machines built to handle real work. They’re thin enough to slip into a tote, strong enough to live untethered, and precise enough to become part of your everyday rhythm. They aren’t pretending to belong in a gallery. They operate, perform, and happen to also carry the clarity and restraint of something display-worthy.

ASUS hasn’t announced the release date yet, but the Zenbook A14 is already on sale in the U.S. and offers a preview of the Ceraluminum experience in two colorways. For those who value tactility, quiet resilience, and design rooted in place, the Signature Editions mark a new intersection—where Earth meets interface.

Where your next laptop stops feeling like a device and starts behaving like something alive.

The post ASUS Brings Earth, Emotion, and Engineering Together at Milan Design Week 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

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You’ll Either Absolutely Hate These Thing-Inspired Boots or Totally Obsess Over Them https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/15/youll-either-absolutely-hate-these-thing-inspired-boots-or-totally-obsess-over-them/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=youll-either-absolutely-hate-these-thing-inspired-boots-or-totally-obsess-over-them Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:30:16 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=546242

You’ll Either Absolutely Hate These Thing-Inspired Boots or Totally Obsess Over Them

The only thing these will clobber is your chances of impressing a woman. I’ve seen my fair share of wacky footwear in my time –...
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The only thing these will clobber is your chances of impressing a woman.

I’ve seen my fair share of wacky footwear in my time – from those hideous Balenciaga platform Crocs to whatever Ye’s latest Yeezy abomination is – but these “Yancy Street Stompers” from Bull Airs might just take the cake for the most gloriously ridiculous functional footwear I’ve ever laid eyes on.

For the uninitiated (do such people exist?), these high-tops are designed to mimic the rocky, craggy feet of Benjamin Grimm, better known as The Thing from Marvel’s Fantastic Four. And when I say “mimic,” I mean these sneakers look like someone took a cast of The Thing’s feet and turned them into wearable footwear. The attention to detail is both impressive and slightly disturbing.

Designer: Bull Airs

The orange, rocky texture extends across the entire shoe, with detailed crevices and an uneven surface that perfectly captures the character’s iconic appearance. The shoes even feature The Thing’s four-toed feet design, creating an optical illusion that you’ve undergone some Fantastic Four-style cosmic ray transformation from the ankles down.

Named after the fictional Yancy Street in Marvel Comics (The Thing’s childhood stomping grounds), these bizarre creations join the pantheon of superhero-inspired wearables that include Hulk hands and Thor hammers. But unlike those toys, you can actually walk around in these – though I suspect not particularly comfortably.

What’s fascinating about these shoes is how they occupy this weird liminal space between costume piece, collectible, and functional footwear. They’re simultaneously ridiculous and awesome, the kind of thing that would make you the talk of any comic convention while also potentially getting you some concerned looks at the grocery store. They’re also waterproof and made from high-quality closed-cell resin foam, a type of EVA foam, so in the most technical sense, they’re a male rubber contraceptive in that you’ll probably never get laid as long as you’re wearing them.

Bull Airs, the company behind this rocky footwear, clearly understands their target audience – die-hard Marvel fans who’ve dreamed of becoming The Thing without the downside of, you know, permanently transforming into a rock monster. At $150 for the sliders and $450 for the boots, they’re not cheap, but considering the niche market and the detailed craftsmanship, the price point seems relatively reasonable for what amounts to wearable memorabilia, sort of like the iconic Hulk hands toys that Marvel launched in 2003.

The product listing suggests these are limited edition, which makes sense – I can’t imagine there’s a massive market for Thing feet, even among the most devoted Marvel enthusiasts. Still, for those select few who’ve always wanted to stomp around like they’ve just been blasted by cosmic rays, these are a dream come true.

Would I personally wear Yancy Street Stompers? Probably not to a business meeting or for a grocery run (I regrettably admit to being more of a clogs person). But for a comic convention or a Marvel movie premiere? It’s clobberin’ time, baby. Just don’t expect to sprint in them – even The Thing himself was more of a lumberer than a runner.

The post You’ll Either Absolutely Hate These Thing-Inspired Boots or Totally Obsess Over Them first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Wipe your messy Cheetos-dusted fingers on these orange pants without any guilt https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/14/wipe-your-messy-cheetos-dusted-fingers-on-these-orange-pants-without-any-guilt/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wipe-your-messy-cheetos-dusted-fingers-on-these-orange-pants-without-any-guilt Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:30:54 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=545923

Wipe your messy Cheetos-dusted fingers on these orange pants without any guilt

Do you leave a trail of orange fingerprints on your phone screen when scrolling mid-snack, or have to deliberately turn book pages with the Pinky,...
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Do you leave a trail of orange fingerprints on your phone screen when scrolling mid-snack, or have to deliberately turn book pages with the Pinky, avoiding Cheetos-dusted fingers from leaving that orange patch on paper? Cheetos Pants could be the answer to the problem you never thought existed, because washing your hands is so last season. Just wipe your hands on the trousers and get going. The idea is a massive hit, proven by the fact that the pants sold out faster than you can finish a packet of Cheetos.

Designed to enhance your snackability, the orange Cheetos pants are made with a special towel-like patch over the pockets on either side, where you can wipe your fingertips without leaving a trace. The pant is so truly matched with the color of these corn-cheese puffs that you can easily dunk your fingers in the bag of Cheetos, eat, wipe the dust on your thighs, and continue binge-watching the reels – all without leaving an orange trail on the phone. If you have some left over in the bag, you can fold and deposit it into a special side pocket made especially for it.

Designer: Cheetos

Launched on April 7, a week after the Fool’s Day, to avoid being mistaken for a prank, the Cheetos Pants sold out within days. But there’s still an option for you and me, if we want to take it (more on that later). Designed for Cheetos fans without easy access to tissues or a faucet (or simply lacking the urge to get up and clean their hands), the pants offer a solution: wipe those fingertips with cheesy crumbs directly on them so that you can save your couch cushions and game controllers from orange stains.

As mentioned, the peculiarity is that the pant is so perfectly matched to the exact shade of iconic orange Cheetos dust that no matter how much you wipe, no one will ever know. This is possible with the towel-like material patch on a pair of cotton pants: A perfect rubaway for your Cheetle-covered fingertips. Released with the motto “Pants stand out, Cheetos blends in,” it is made by Frito-Lay in collaboration with Impact BBDO in the Middle East and New York, with pockets to accommodate small and larger bags of Cheetos so you know where to eat from when you feel the need.

Cheetospants.com – from where the pants (in sizes XXS-3XL) were available – show the pants designed to wipe Cheetle-covered fingers are currently out of stock – no wonder. Fans having lost the first opportunity to scoop a pair can access a global collection of all near-exact orange pants from shoppable internet that the brand has selected and made available. Look up, find your favorite orange pants from an array of silhouettes and you have your pair – will that have the cleaning patch, we are guessing no!

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Nike After Dark Tour 2025 Medal Is Functional Jewelry That Literally Shines https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/11/nike-after-dark-tour-2025-medal-is-functional-jewelry-that-literally-shines/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nike-after-dark-tour-2025-medal-is-functional-jewelry-that-literally-shines Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:45:21 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=545372

Nike After Dark Tour 2025 Medal Is Functional Jewelry That Literally Shines

Running medals typically end up stashed away in drawers or displayed on lonely medal racks, rarely seeing the light of day after race celebrations fade....
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Running medals typically end up stashed away in drawers or displayed on lonely medal racks, rarely seeing the light of day after race celebrations fade. Nike has brilliantly reimagined this tradition with their 2025 After Dark Tour medal, transforming the standard race memento into a stunning piece of wearable jewelry that celebrates your achievement long after crossing the finish line. It’s an innovative pendant necklace that merges athletic accomplishment with everyday style, allowing runners to carry their triumph wherever they go.

Gone are the days when your hard-earned race medal gathered dust in a forgotten corner of your home. The Nike team has crafted something you’ll actually want to wear: a sweat-resistant, reflective necklace that transitions seamlessly from your nighttime race to brunch with friends the next morning. Designed specifically for women who refuse to compromise between their athletic identity and personal style, this functional jewelry piece represents a fresh approach to how we commemorate our running milestones.

Designer: Nike

The pendant’s surface tells your unique running story through its textured design, which cleverly incorporates actual elevation data from the six After Dark Tour race courses. These topographical details aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but also serve a practical purpose by enhancing the pendant’s reflectivity, catching light from multiple angles during those early morning or evening training sessions. The retroreflective coating adds another layer of safety for nighttime runners, making you visible to others while showcasing your accomplishment.

Every element of this medal-turned-necklace pays homage to running culture. The shoelace-inspired chain creates an immediate connection to Nike’s running roots, while engraved aglets (those little metal tips on your shoelaces) commemorate your participation in the After Dark Tour. The magnetic closure adds both practicality and personalization, allowing for quick changes between workout and daily wear while ensuring a comfortable fit for every athlete’s preference.

What truly sets this medal apart is how it was created by a nearly all-women team of Nike designers, engineers, and developers who understood exactly what female runners want. They’ve combined advanced design techniques and extraordinary materials to create something both beautiful and durable. The result speaks directly to women who take their running seriously but don’t want to sacrifice style for performance, proving that athletic achievements can be celebrated with both function and fashion.

Available exclusively to After Dark Tour finishers, this medal represents Nike’s commitment to creating products that honor women’s multifaceted lives. Unlike traditional race medals that announce your achievement only when deliberately displayed, this pendant becomes part of your daily expression: a constant reminder of your strength, endurance, and connection to the global community of women runners. The Nike After Dark Tour does more than just commemorate a single race day; it celebrates the ongoing journey of female athletes everywhere.

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HAUTLENCE RETROVISION ’85: When The Watch On Your Wrist Transforms Into a Nostalgic Robot https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/08/hautlence-retrovision-85-when-the-watch-on-your-wrist-transforms-into-a-nostalgic-robot/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hautlence-retrovision-85-when-the-watch-on-your-wrist-transforms-into-a-nostalgic-robot Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:20:51 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=544943

HAUTLENCE RETROVISION ’85: When The Watch On Your Wrist Transforms Into a Nostalgic Robot

Remember those Saturday mornings spent watching robot cartoons with a bowl of sugary cereal? HAUTLENCE certainly does, and they’ve bottled that pure ’80s nostalgia in...
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Remember those Saturday mornings spent watching robot cartoons with a bowl of sugary cereal? HAUTLENCE certainly does, and they’ve bottled that pure ’80s nostalgia in their jaw-dropping RETROVISION ’85 timepiece. Far from being just another luxury watch, it’s a time machine strapped to your wrist that transforms from a sophisticated horological marvel into an actual robot figure! Inspired by the iconic Takara Kronoform toys that captivated kids (and adults) in the 1980s, this limited edition masterpiece perfectly captures the era when pixelated graphics ruled and imagination knew no bounds.

The moment you lay eyes on the RETROVISION ’85, you’re transported back to the golden age of skateboarding, arcade games, and robot toys that promised to protect the universe. Its distinctive silhouette immediately triggers that dopamine rush of childhood wonder, yet it’s executed with the precision and craftsmanship that only a high-end Swiss watchmaker could deliver. The titanium base with a frosted finish provides the perfect canvas for the eye-catching blue and purple PVD accents that scream ’80s futurism while maintaining a sophisticated edge that belongs on a collector’s wrist.

Designer: HAUTLENCE

What makes this timepiece truly extraordinary is the beating heart inside: HAUTLENCE’s celebrated Vagabonde Tourbillon movement. This mechanical wonder features a hypnotic “wandering” time display system where discs rotate independently, creating a mesmerizing dance across the dial. The sapphire minute disc at the center, equipped with applied numerals and Globolight rings that glow in the dark, ensures you can tell the time while still appreciating the artistic brilliance of the design. It’s technical wizardry wrapped in nostalgic packaging!

The RETROVISION ’85 doesn’t just look the part: it actually transforms! Following the spirit of the Takara Kronoform that inspired it, this watch can be removed from your wrist and reconfigured into a standing robot figure. It’s a playful functionality that makes it unlike anything else in the luxury watch market, bridging the gap between serious horology and the pure joy of collectible toys. Imagine the expressions when you casually transform your six-figure timepiece into a robot during a board meeting!

Limited to just eight pieces worldwide, the RETROVISION ’85 represents the ultimate fusion of childhood dreams and adult success. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, with the rhodium-plated brass intermediate dial requiring countless hours of skilled artisanship to achieve its retro-futuristic appearance. The contrast between the mechanical precision of the movement and the whimsical robot design creates a tension that perfectly captures the transition from childhood imagination to grown-up appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

For those who spent their youth dreaming of space exploration and robot guardians, this watch offers something beyond timekeeping: a tangible connection to those formative years. Yet it simultaneously appeals to serious collectors who understand that exceptional watchmaking transcends utility to become art. The RETROVISION ’85 stands as a bridge between past and present, between childhood wonder and adult sophistication, all while maintaining HAUTLENCE’s reputation for horological innovation and boundary-pushing design. Wearing it goes beyond just a statement of style. It’s a declaration that you’ve carried your sense of wonder and playfulness into adulthood.

The post HAUTLENCE RETROVISION ’85: When The Watch On Your Wrist Transforms Into a Nostalgic Robot first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Pan Records x Nike Air Max 180: When Underground Music Meets Minimalist Design https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/04/01/pan-records-x-nike-air-max-180-when-underground-music-meets-minimalist-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pan-records-x-nike-air-max-180-when-underground-music-meets-minimalist-design Tue, 01 Apr 2025 22:30:26 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=543779

Pan Records x Nike Air Max 180: When Underground Music Meets Minimalist Design

Experimental music and athletic footwear don’t often find common ground in product design. The Pan Records x Nike Air Max 180 collaboration, however, presents an...
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Experimental music and athletic footwear don’t often find common ground in product design. The Pan Records x Nike Air Max 180 collaboration, however, presents an interesting exception. Released in 2025, this all-black, Swoosh-less design offers a thoughtful interpretation of the classic silhouette. Having covered consumer technology and design for a long while now, I find this partnership noteworthy for its understated approach and cultural connections.

Designer: Pan Records x Nike

Nike partnering with a Berlin-based experimental music label? That wasn’t on anyone’s 2025 bingo card. But the sportswear giant’s decision to collaborate with Pan Records makes perfect sense when you examine the cultural lineage of the Air Max 180. Since the 1990s, this silhouette has maintained a significant presence in electronic music scenes worldwide. DJs, producers, and club-goers embraced its distinctive aesthetic and cushioning technology during marathon sets and all-night dance sessions. The model’s connection to music culture runs deep – deeper than most casual observers realize.

Pan Records, founded in 2008 by Bill Kouligas, has spent 17 years cultivating a reputation for boundary-pushing experimental sound and visual art. The label exists in that rarefied “if you know, you know” space, launching careers of innovative artists like Yves Tumour and Eartheater while expanding beyond music into events and art installations. This collaboration follows Nike’s earlier 2025 partnership with London’s Apron Records on the same silhouette. A pattern emerges. Nike seems intent on revitalizing the Air Max 180 through collaborations with influential yet niche music labels that share its forward-thinking ethos. What makes this partnership particularly fascinating is the creative freedom Nike granted. Removing the iconic Swoosh from a Nike sneaker is practically unheard of. Yet here, that bold choice allows the textural elements and minimalist aesthetic to take center stage.

The Pan Records x Nike Air Max 180 represents minimalism at its most impactful. Its all-black colorway might seem simple at first glance, but closer inspection reveals a sophisticated interplay of textures, materials, and symbolic elements. Most striking is what’s missing – the iconic Swoosh logo has vanished from the shoe’s sides. This absence creates a stealthy, stripped-down profile that forces you to appreciate the silhouette’s inherent design language. Small Swoosh logos remain near the toe and on one side, but they’re subtle afterthoughts rather than focal points.

The upper features a textured fabric that replaces the Air Max 180’s traditional layered composition. This material choice gives the sneaker a hypnotic quality that shifts as light plays across its surface. A matte, crinkled synthetic overlay with a translucent sheen wraps the mudguard, creating a split-toned appearance despite the monochromatic palette. Nike and Pan Records employed a fused TPU film throughout the construction, creating what some have described as a “shrink-wrapped” aesthetic. This technique enhances durability while contributing to the futuristic vibe. The midsole, lining, and visible Air unit are completely blacked out, reinforcing the shoe’s stealthy appeal.

Turn the shoe over, and you’ll discover perhaps its most captivating detail. The semi-translucent outsole reveals an image of Pan – the Greek mythological deity associated with music and wild nature – playing the flute. This same artwork appears on the inner tissue of the packaging, creating a cohesive thematic thread throughout the product experience. The heel features an irregularly 3D-printed clip designed to evoke ancient exhumed stone tools. It’s an unexpected reference that adds both textural interest and conceptual depth.

What makes this collaboration special beyond its physical form is its cultural positioning. The black-coated finish intentionally mimics the patina created by wearing sneakers night after night in clubs – a direct nod to the Air Max 180’s heritage in electronic music scenes and Pan Records’ roots in experimental club culture. This worn-in aesthetic serves as a visual metaphor for experience and authenticity. Rather than pristine, box-fresh sneakers, these shoes celebrate the lived-in quality that comes from genuine cultural participation. The name “NIX” appears prominently in the collaboration’s branding – a reference to Kouligas’s creative research studio. Translating to “nothing” in German, it stands as a conceptual opposite to “PAN,” which means “everything” in Greek. This duality of everything/nothing informs the design philosophy and creates additional layers of meaning for those willing to dig deeper.

By allowing Pan Records to create a Swoosh-less design, Nike demonstrates remarkable confidence in both its brand identity and the strength of the Air Max 180 silhouette. Few major sportswear companies would permit such radical reinterpretation of their most recognizable brand element. The minimalist approach also provides a refreshing counterpoint to contemporary sneaker trends that often rely on bold colors and obvious branding. In an era of maximalist design, this collaboration finds power in restraint.

Set to release on April 12, 2025, the Pan Records x Nike Air Max 180 “Black/Anthracite” (style code FZ3310-001) will retail for $150 USD. Availability will include Nike’s SNKRS platform, select Nike Sportswear retailers, and Nike.com. Given the niche appeal of Pan Records and the unique design approach, this collaboration will likely attract diverse audiences: sneaker enthusiasts, experimental music fans, and collectors who appreciate minimalist design aesthetics. Whether this will be a limited release remains unclear, though some industry observers suggest it might follow previous music label collaborations with region-restricted availability. If you’re particularly drawn to this design, planning ahead might be wise.

The Pan Records x Nike Air Max 180 demonstrates how reduction can create distinction in product design. By stripping away the expected and focusing on texture, material, and subtle storytelling, this collaboration achieves something rare in contemporary sneaker culture – a genuinely fresh perspective on a classic silhouette. What makes this partnership particularly noteworthy is how it honors both brands’ identities while creating something entirely new. The experimental spirit of Pan Records merges seamlessly with Nike’s design heritage, resulting in a product that feels authentic to both worlds.

Nike’s willingness to partner with niche cultural entities and grant them significant creative freedom suggests a sophisticated understanding of how modern brand building works. Rather than chasing mainstream collaborations exclusively, this approach builds credibility among tastemakers and cultural pioneers. For sneaker enthusiasts tired of predictable collaborations, the Pan Records x Nike Air Max 180 offers a glimpse of what’s possible when brands take genuine creative risks. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most impactful design statement is what you choose to remove rather than what you add. This unexpected partnership between a sportswear giant and an experimental music label has produced something genuinely distinctive in today’s saturated sneaker market. And isn’t that exactly what great collaborations should do?

The post Pan Records x Nike Air Max 180: When Underground Music Meets Minimalist Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

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PUMA brings House Gryffindor and Slytherin into their stylish world https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/03/26/puma-brings-house-gryffindor-and-slytherin-into-their-stylish-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=puma-brings-house-gryffindor-and-slytherin-into-their-stylish-world Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:20:24 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=542556

PUMA brings House Gryffindor and Slytherin into their stylish world

If you’re a true blue or even a casual Potterhead, any announcement of new merch drops or collaboration with other bigger brands will surely catch...
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If you’re a true blue or even a casual Potterhead, any announcement of new merch drops or collaboration with other bigger brands will surely catch your attention. And if you’re also a fan of the Puma brand, then this latest partnership between the two brands will be your next wishlist. The worlds of sportswear and wizardry are colliding in a spectacular new collection from Puma and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. Just in time for fans to add a touch of Hogwarts magic to their everyday style, the Puma x Harry Potter collection is launching this month, bringing apparel, footwear, and accessories inspired by the beloved Harry Potter series.

Designer: PUMA

Whether you’re House Gryffindor or Slytherin (sorry Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, you’re not included in this), you’ll have fun with this enchanting collaboration that is a combination of Puma’s rich sports heritage and Hogwarts’ most iconic houses. The collection masterfully blends Quidditch aesthetics with classic streetwear and terrace fashion cues, resulting in a unique and captivating range. The apparel line is designed with the energy of the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch in mind. Fans can look forward to football shirts, T7 tracksuits, and other essential pieces that incorporate subtle yet distinct Hogwarts-inspired details. Keep an eye out for the Golden Snitch, which is embroidered on each item, adding a touch of whimsical charm.

For those who want to fully embrace their house pride, the collection features graphic tees with Quidditch themes, proudly displaying the colors and emblems of Gryffindor and Slytherin. A black shell cape offers a more urban and edgy take on the traditional wizarding robe, perfect for adding a touch of mystery to any outfit. But of course the main stars of the collection are the footwear. They reimagined classic Puma silhouettes with unmistakable Harry Potter elements. The iconic Puma Palermo takes center stage, offered in bold new iterations representing Gryffindor and Slytherin.The Gryffindor Palermo boasts a striking scarlet and gold colorway, complete with a fierce lion insignia. In contrast, the Slytherin Palermo features a darkly refined look with black and deep green hues and subtle serpent details. Both sneakers include a removable lace shroud debossed with the house name and emblem. The Puma Easy Rider also receives a magical makeover, with a sleek black and brown palette and asymmetrical color accents on the midsole that subtly nod to all four Hogwarts houses. A metallic Golden Snidget charm dangles from the laces, adding a playful and instantly recognizable touch for fans.

No magical outfit is complete without the right accessories, and the Puma x Harry Potter collection delivers. Waist bags and caps continue the school robe-inspired look, utilizing the crests and house colors of Gryffindor and Slytherin. An emerald green chiffon scarf adds a touch of Slytherin elegance, while a burgundy wool-cashmere scarf embodies Gryffindor’s warmth and bravery. Even jewelry gets a magical touch, with an emerald ring and ruby red stud earrings subtly referencing iconic elements from the series. Throughout the entire collection, you’ll find thoughtful details such as Puma x Harry Potter badges and discreet house crests, seamlessly blending the two worlds.

The post PUMA brings House Gryffindor and Slytherin into their stylish world first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Biodegradable puffer jacket is designed to disappear in 5 years https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/03/20/biodegradable-puffer-jacket-is-designed-to-disappear-in-5-years/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=biodegradable-puffer-jacket-is-designed-to-disappear-in-5-years Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:40:04 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=541392

Biodegradable puffer jacket is designed to disappear in 5 years

If you live in a place where there is winter, you probably own a lot of jackets (unless you can just wear one or two...
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If you live in a place where there is winter, you probably own a lot of jackets (unless you can just wear one or two the entire season). If you’re the fashionable sort, you probably discard them regularly and buy the latest, most fashionable one. However, traditional synthetic jackets can actually take centuries to decompose and contributes to landfill waste. What if you can create one that is made with eco-friendly materials and can disappear completely in a few years when placed in a certain environment?

Designer: Templa with ALLIED Feather + Down (AF+D) and Active Apparel Group (AAG)

Templa, in collaboration with ALLIED Feather + Down (AF+D) and Active Apparel Group (AAG), has created a groundbreaking 99%+ biodegradable down puffy jacket. This project, titled “Future Now: Designing to Disappear,” aims to revolutionize the fashion industry by creating a sustainable garment that completely disappears from the planet in approximately 5 years when placed in an anaerobic environment or a place where there is no oxygen, like underground.

The jacket features biodegradable 800 fill power down insulation, synthetic fabrics, and trims sourced by AAG, combined with Templa’s signature fashion-forward performance silhouettes. This collaboration emphasizes responsible choices and meaningful change, elevating the design from a stylish puffy jacket to a thoughtful and sustainable garment. All fill, trims, and fabrics are 99%+ biodegradable, backed by rigorous testing. Design-wise, it looks like your typical puffer jacket which is already stylish on its own. There are no details yet about the other “features” but we’ll probably get them by the time it’s released in September 2025 as part of the FW25 – Edition 12 Collection by Templa.

The jacket serves as a demonstration of how fashion and sustainability can coexist. It showcases the possibility of creating high-quality, stylish garments that are also environmentally responsible. It also can encourage the fashion industry to use more sustainable materials and to adapt sustainable practices which will not affect style, and hopefully, the price as well. By proving that high-performance, aesthetically pleasing apparel can be designed with a built-in end-of-life plan, Templa, AF+D, and AAG are setting a new standard for the industry. This collaboration serves as a powerful call to action, urging consumers to reconsider their purchasing habits and demand more from their clothing. As we eagerly await the release of this revolutionary garment in 2025, one question remains: will the fashion world embrace this vision of a more sustainable future? The answer, ultimately, rests on our collective willingness to prioritize responsible consumption and support innovations that truly design to disappear, leaving behind a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.

The post Biodegradable puffer jacket is designed to disappear in 5 years first appeared on Yanko Design.

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