Story mfg. x ASICS Plaid Collaboration Revealed
The UK-based slow fashion label Story mfg. has partnered with ASICS on a new footwear collaboration rooted in sustainable production and textile-forward design. Two plaid colorways—black and brown—comprise the 'Trees Are Poems' collection, previewed at Paris Fashion Week, with a November 2026 release window.
By Ava Rodriguez
Story mfg.'s ethos has always positioned the brand as an antidote to the speed and disposability of contemporary fashion. The husband-and-wife founded label, which emerged from the UK in 2013, has built its reputation on fully vegan production methods and an unapologetically bohemian design language that reads as earnest rather than performative. That philosophy now extends to footwear through a partnership with ASICS that feels notably considered for a brand more accustomed to technical running silhouettes.
The collaboration marks the second phase of Story mfg.'s engagement with the Japanese sportswear house. Earlier gingham iterations of the GEL-Venture 6 established the foundational aesthetic; this new installment deepens the exploration with all-over plaid jacquard constructions across black and brown colorways.
Design & Customization
Detailed product views remain limited to overhead angles, though the footwear appears to employ the same premium textile treatment that defines the brand's apparel offering. ASICS branding sits embroidered at the toe box—a subtle nod to the collaborator's heritage without overwhelming the narrative. The collection's standout feature, however, may be the included bead sets designed for lace customization, a touch that transforms the shoe into a canvas for individual expression and extends the slow-fashion philosophy into the wear experience itself.
The 'Trees Are Poems' naming references Story mfg.'s recurring environmental consciousness—a thematic thread woven throughout their design process rather than a hollow marketing gesture.
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Release Info
Availability: November 2026 (specific date TBA)
Retail Price: Not yet announced
Retailers: Information forthcoming
Current ASICS inventory across major retailers shows sustained promotional activity, with deals averaging 33% off select styles. The Story mfg. collaboration will likely command full retail positioning upon launch.
