VANDYTHEPINK x ASICS GEL-Kayano 12.1 “Ice Cream Pack” Brings Sweet Nostalgia

VANDYTHEPINK is once again serving up one of the most playful sneaker collaborations of the year by teaming up with ASICS. Following the success of its banana split-inspired GEL-Nimbus 10.1, the Seoul-born label reunites with the Japanese sportswear brand for the VANDYTHEPINK x ASICS GEL-Kayano 12.1 “Ice Cream Pack,” a collection that blends childhood memories, Korean culture, and premium storytelling into two delicious colourways.

Inspired by the classic 아이스케키 (Aiseu-Keki), the iconic Korean ice bars sold by neighbourhood street vendors—the collaboration reflects VANDYTHEPINK co-founder Junghoon “Vandy” Son’s childhood growing up in South Korea. Rather than simply dressing the silhouette in dessert-inspired colours, the collection transforms the GEL-Kayano 12.1 into a wearable tribute to those nostalgic summer memories.

Two Flavours, One Creative Vision

The collection arrives in two flavours: Vanilla and Chocolate, with each pair featuring thoughtful design cues that reinforce the ice cream concept.

The globally releasing Vanilla edition sports a white waffle-textured mesh upper that mimics the look of a crispy waffle cone. Brushed metallic silver overlays resemble an ice cream scoop, while pink, yellow, and green accents recreate colourful rainbow sprinkles. The playful sprinkle graphics even continue onto the insoles, completing the dessert-inspired theme.

Meanwhile, the Chocolate colourway offers a richer, more personal interpretation. Brown mesh construction is paired with metallic silver overlays and subtle yellow highlights, while the footbed replaces the sprinkle artwork with a chocolate cone illustration. According to Vandy Son, the darker palette also reflects his long-standing appreciation for brown ASICS colourways.

The rollout begins with special VANDYTHEPINK pop-up events in Los Angeles on August 1–2, followed by a Complex pop-up in New York on August 8. The VANDYTHEPINK x ASICS GEL-Kayano 12.1 “Vanilla” officially releases through VANDYTHEPINK on August 8, before launching globally via ASICS and select retailers on August 14.