VANDYTHEPINK and ASICS are returning to their shared world of playful, food-inspired design with a new collaboration centred around the GEL-KAYANO 12.1. Following their success of their previously released GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 collaboration, the two brands are on e again turning ASICS’ performance-running archive into a canvas for VANDYTHEPINK’s visual language.
This time, the concept takes inspiration from one of the simplest pleasures in the world: ice cream. The resulting “Vanilla” and “Chocolate” colourways translate the two flavours into contrasting executions of the GEL-KAYANO 12.1.
The project follows after VANDYTHEPINK’s 2025 GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 “Banana Split” collaboration which included a “Vanilla” and “Strawberry” colourway collaboration with atmos, continuing the creative’s with dessert-inspired footwear. The new collaboration develops the idea through a different ASICS silhouette and two new interpretations of the same ice cream-shop theme.
The GEL-KAYANO 12.1 Gets a Sweet Makeover
At the heart of the collaboration is the GEL-KAYANO 12.1, a contemporary lifestyle interpretation of ASICS’ technical running heritage. Its layered construction and early-2000s proportions make it perfect for VANDYTHEPINK’s approach.
Both pairs feature open mesh and metallic silver overlays, retaining the technical aesthetic associated with ASICS’ GEL-KAYANO lineage. The metallic elements are effective against the softer base colours, giving the sneakers a distinctive Y2K-inspired running appearance.
VANDYTHEPINK branding appears throughout the construction, including on the heel and eyelets, while the tongue replaces the conventional ASICS treatment with a Korean VANDYTHEPINK wordmark. Other hidden details include a flower motif tag beneath the lateral heel overlay.
VANDYTHEPINK GEL-KAYANO 12.1 “Vanilla”
The “Vanilla” edition takes the lighter route, using an off-white and cream mesh base that recalls the pale tones of its namesake flavour. The upper incorporates a waffle-textured mesh treatment designed to evoke the texture of an ice cream cone.
Metallic silver overlays run across the upper, while pops of pale yellow, pink and mint green bring the sneaker to life. The colourful accents resemble rainbow sprinkles scattered across a scoop of ice cream, with the same playful approach continuing onto the insole.
The outsole also develops the theme, combining soft cream with yellow, pink and green elements. These colours are distributed throughout the sneaker in small doses, allowing the technical structure of the GEL-KAYANO 12.1 to remain visible.
VANDYTHEPINK GEL-KAYANO 12.1 “Chocolate”
For the second pair, VANDYTHEPINK turns towards a much richer and darker palette. The “Chocolate” colourway features a deep brown mesh upper, which instantly establishes the connection to its namesake flavour.
Silver overlays remain in place, creating contrast against the chocolate-toned base, while yellow and pink accents provide some much needed subtle connections to the brighter “Vanilla” pair.
The insole takes the concept further witj chocolate-cone artwork, while the accompanying details and packaging continue VANDYTHEPINK’s playful storytelling. Unlike the more widely available “Vanilla”, the “Chocolate” edition is positioned to be more exclusive.
Release Information
The VANDYTHEPINK x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 12.1 “Vanilla” and “Chocolate” are scheduled to release on 8 August 2026, with a global release on 14 August 2026 on ASICS.com and selected retailers.
