Available Saturday, October 4 / In-store at BAIT Diamond Bar, BAIT Orange County, and BAIT LA / Gel Epirus $130 USD / Colorado Eighty-Five $120 USD
Scotland’s Hanon Shop connects with the Japanese-based Asics and Onitsuka Tiger family for an ambitious project inspired by both of their roots. 19th century merchant and explorer Thomas Blake Glover – who traveled from Scotland to trade in Japan – serves as the figurehead for this collaboration. The two shoe pack includes versions of the Gel Epirus and Colorado Eighty-Five with designs tied to Glover. Continue reading for more images and information.
The first shoe in the pack is a colorway of the Asics Gel Epirus inspired by Glover’s Scottish roots – specifically the Scottish thistle. The mint green, purple, and red colors of the shoe can be traced back to the national flower. Both plush suede and nubuck are put to work on the upper to ensure the colors are as rich as its inspiration.
The second shoe is a nod to Glover’s business in Japan, which began with green tea trading and led to founding the companies that would become Kirin and Mitsubishi. Hanon reworks the Onitsuka Tiger Colorado Eighty-Five silhouette with perforated suede, nubuck, and synthetic. The bold yellow and black scheme and speckled eyestay details are inspired by the land of the rising sun. Thomas’ mustache is embossed on the heel.