VandyThePink is combining two of its earlier design directions, the "Strawberry" and "Banana Split" palettes, into a single ASICS GEL-Kayano 12.1 built around a Neapolitan ice cream concept. Rather than splitting the ideas across separate releases, the collaboration merges both palettes into one shoe, working pink, yellow, green, beige, and brown accents across the silver runner's early-2000s performance silhouette.
Metallic overlays and layered mesh keep the GEL-Kayano 12.1's original construction intact while the brighter tones are threaded through the upper and cushioning units. The sole carries the most direct reference to the theme, with sections drawing from strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate ice cream in a way that grounds the concept without leaning into novelty for its own sake. VandyThePink pushes the idea further with cartoon ice cream cone graphics printed on the insoles and special packaging finished in faded tan and beige shades that evoke an older neighborhood ice cream shop.
The VandyThePink x ASICS GEL-Kayano 12.1 is set to release on July 1, 2026, with overseas retailers already listing the collaboration. Pricing and wider availability have not been officially confirmed by ASICS or VandyThePink. To stay informed on all things ASICS and to stay up to date with the latest releases, connect with us on Instagram and Twitter.
