USA : Designer Yigal Azrouel launches K-Swiss footwear for Fall

February 20, 2008

Designer, Yigal Azrouel unveiled the latest footwear collection for K-Swiss at his Fall 2008 Ready-to- Wear show during New York's Fashion Week earlier this month.

The partnership marks the second collaboration between the designer and the globally renowned footwear brand.

Set in a vacant warehouse in the Meat Packing District with looped footage of the skyline and subway projected onto the exposed-brick walls, the Yigal Azrouel for K-Swiss Fall 2008 collection is downtown chic meets California casual.

"Keep it Pure," the brand's new tagline, best describes the look and feel of the sneakers designed by Azrouel. Jennifer Weiderman, VP of Marketing at K-Swiss noted, "It was so easy to work with Yigal again.

He understands the heritage of K-Swiss and takes our most iconic silhouettes and makes them works of art. His use of materials and knack for designing the collection to be laid back, cool and casual is the perfect compliment to his sportswear collection."

"The focus of my collection for K-Swiss is bringing design quality to sportswear with the use of fabrics that are not normally used for sneakers," explained Azrouel.

"I used buffalo check wool for one hi-top, and calf suede, cracked leather and washed cotton canvas for other styles. For the lining I used heavy twill tape while a lighter version was incorporated in piping and binding.

I wanted to re-create the sneaker I wore and loved when I was younger, so they have a retro vintage feel to them. The primary color blocking, the distressed washed feel and the subtle, tonal topstitching all evoke that mood and nostalgia."

K-Swiss