HAVEN and ASICS’ GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 Casts a Mighty Shadow

HAVEN has long served the fashion community as a place of discovery -- showcasing cutting-edge creations from around the world -- and its evolution to becoming a fully-fledged brand has further expanded on this commitment. Prior to establishing its in-line offerings in 2017, HAVEN leveraged collaborations as an opportunity to craft its own design language for the world to familiarize itself with.

ASICS was one such partner, teaming up with HAVEN in 2018 for a GEL-LYTE MT collaboration that was emblematic of the times -- from the prominence of the GEL-LYTE line within ASICS’ lifestyle category to a collaborative lookbook that styled it with a fishtail parka and camouflage pants, all underscored by an emphasis on exploration.

Seven years later, the HAVEN x ASICS partnership embodies the sleek, utilitarian approach that both have embraced since first uniting. The campaign's centerpiece is a black and gray pair of GEL-NIMBUS 10.1s -- a model first introduced in 2024 -- which features layered mesh and carbon fiber textures.

HAVEN’s foray into apparel development also plays a role with GORE-TEX’s WINDSTOPPER fabric present across a rotation of jackets, pants and hats that go together in various black and gray finishes. Ahead of the launch, HAVEN co-founder Arthur Chmielewski assessed the collaboration’s points of inspiration, the HAVEN team’s connection to Japan, their vision for the products’ use cases and more.

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been seven years since the first HAVEN x ASICS collab. How did this sequel come together, and why is now the time for it?

It’s crazy to think it’s been so long. That project was a big milestone for us, and it laid the foundation for this one. Since then, HAVEN as a brand has evolved significantly, and the timing just felt perfect to reconnect and take things to the next level. ASICS’ innovation and technical approach have always resonated with us, and this time we wanted to push the boundaries even further, blending performance and style in a way that feels forward-thinking.

It’s been an amazing opportunity to showcase how much both brands have evolved since our last collaboration.

What’s the HAVEN team’s personal history with ASICS and how does the brand fit in the world of HAVEN?

We’ve always been big fans of ASICS and their Japanese philosophy -- it aligns with our approach at HAVEN. Their focus on functional design, innovation and aesthetics resonates deeply with us. ASICS products strike that perfect balance between function and form, and even their retro styles, like the GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 update, feel incredibly current and relevant today.

As a boutique, your eyes constantly evaluate what’s coming next. How do you balance serving what you believe consumers will want in the seasons to come versus betting on your customers’ trust in your vision?

While we started as a retailer, our approach has evolved over the years. Now, we approach everything from a HAVEN brand perspective when it comes to design and collaborations. It’s not about predicting what’s next -- it’s about following our instincts and values to provide something authentic. We focus on quality, functionality and timeless design, hoping that any product we create will remain relevant for years.

Can you walk me through what the team has created with ASICS?

For this collaboration, we worked closely with ASICS to create something special. The centerpiece is our take on the GEL-NIMBUS 10.1, inspired by the interplay of light and shadow in urban environments and the brutalist architecture found in the Pacific Northwest. We’ve elevated the silhouette with premium materials and thoughtful details that reflect HAVEN’s focus on functionality and timeless design.

Alongside the footwear, we designed a complementary apparel collection using 3-Layer WINDSTOPPER by GORE-TEX Labs that is water resistant and windproof. The apparel is entirely made locally by our HAVEN Apparel Inc. manufacturing, just 10 minutes from our design studio in East Vancouver. This close distance allows us to maintain top quality and attention to detail. The collection blends performance with elevated design, offering a glimpse of what the future of HAVEN Sport could look like -- functional, versatile and built to last.

HAVEN has always had strong ties to -- and a deep respect for -- Japanese style. How did those ties inform the collection and how are they displayed on it?

I’ve been traveling to Japan for nearly 18 years now, so Japanese design and philosophy has been a big part of everything we do at HAVEN, and it naturally informed this collaboration. When we initially explored the collaboration, we referenced the book In Praise of Shadows by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, embracing the subtle interplay of light and shadow often found in Japanese aesthetics. This is reflected in the GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 design, with contrasting textures and reflective elements that reveal different dimensions depending on the lighting.

Japanese design often focuses on balance, restraint, and technical precision, factors that also resonate with us. ASICS embodies these principles, and this collaboration allowed us to explore them further. The collection merges functional performance with understated, timeless design -- qualities we’ve long admired in Japanese craftsmanship and philosophy.

A grayscale palette is used throughout the sneaker and its accompanying apparel, which is often reflected in HAVEN’s in-line offerings. What about this approach to design resonates with you and the team?

Grayscale is a key part of our design because it’s versatile, timeless and lets the materials and textures stand out without distractions. Being based in Vancouver, where it's often overcast, grayscale naturally influences a lot of our color story. It plays with light and shadow in a way that reflects the city’s architecture and the landscapes around us.

The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 was just introduced last year. As one of the first collaborators, how does it feel to be able to shape its legacy?

Being one of the first collaborators on the GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 is an honor. When ASICS first proposed the shoe, we knew it was the style we wanted to work on, so having the opportunity to shape its story early on is exciting. It allowed us to infuse our design aesthetic into a shoe with so much potential for the future.

How do you see the collaboration being worn? Did you have any specific contexts in mind when designing it?

We designed this collaboration to be sports-oriented but versatile enough to fit seamlessly into everyday life. Whether you're training, commuting, or just navigating the city, the pieces are meant to adapt to multiple environments. It hints at what HAVEN Sport could eventually look like -- functional performance gear that's refined, understated, and wearable beyond just athletic settings. We wanted something that blends utility with style, so you can move through your day without changing your look.

The HAVEN x ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 launches this week on February 7 via HAVEN at a price of $170 USD. HAVEN is also hosting a pop-up in New York City at 213 Bowery Street, which features the collaboration, the full HAVEN collection and exclusive products. It opens on February 6 with a chance to shop the new gear early and is open through February 10. A global launch for the HAVEN x ASICS collaboration is set to take place on February 14 via ASICS and select international stockists as well.

HAVEN NYC Pop-Up
213 Bowery St
New York, NY 10002

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