For the Fall/Winter ’23 season, Mizuno has unveiled the highly anticipated Kizuna Pack, which pays homage to ancient Japanese art and philosophy through the intricate design of the Wave Rider 10 and Contender sneakers. The Kizuna Pack is a remarkable fusion of Mizuno’s deep Japanese heritage, craftsmanship and wabi-sabi philosophy, bringing a new dimension to footwear.
The Kizuna Pack is inspired by Kintsugi, a Japanese art form dating back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Transcending the mere act of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with precious metals, Kintsugi is a philosophy that embraces the beauty in imperfection, reflecting the principles of Wabi-Sabi. This art form teaches us to appreciate history, cracks and repairs, and promotes a positive outlook on life where second chances are celebrated and flaws are seen as valuable aspects of life’s journey.
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Mizuno‘s Wave Rider 10 and Contender are the stars of the Kizuna Pack, adorned in soft, neutral colors with subtle contrasts in materials, harmoniously blending premium suede and mesh. The iconic Runbird logo, intricately outlined with a delicate yellow line, shows the influence of Kintsugi, celebrating the golden joints that define this ancient Japanese technique. The sneakers further express their artistic roots with a unique Kintsugi artwork on the tongue, tying back to the pack’s source of inspiration. Both the Wave Rider 10 and the Contender feature mismatched insoles in white and gray, adding an extra layer of subtle uniqueness to the design.
The promotional campaign for the Kizuna Pack seamlessly connects the sneakers to their Kintsugi roots, featuring Japanese artist Takehito Kobayashi creating a unique Runbird logo using the Kintsugi technique. Kobayashi’s journey with ceramics began in his youth, and he has dedicated his life to mastering Kintsugi. After a transformative trip to Europe in 2009, he founded Wad, a store that celebrates good Japanese products. Today, Kobayashi continues his artistic endeavors in Osaka, where he conducts Kintsugi workshops and shares his expertise in art pottery.
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The Wave Rider 10 and Contender models from the Mizuno Kizuna Pack will be available for purchase starting November 3, 2023. The Wave Rider 10 is priced at €170, while the Contender is priced at €130.
© Photos: Mizuno
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