Chinese fashion label Li-Ning unveiled its Fall/Winter 2019 collection at New York Fashion Week earlier and one of the standout items was the Arc Ace sneakers. The footwear design draws inspiration from traditional Chinese carving methods and fractal art practices.
The most notable element of the look is found at the midsoles, which have a spine-like structure and is meant to function by directing energy from the heel to the toe area. The uppers boast a technical cage overlaying detail with a clear synthetic base. It features a padded sock lining, branding at the tongue, and a heel pull tab. The uppers also feature so cut-out details across the sides and the toe to showcase the contrasting materials.
Perforated Midsole Sneaker Designs
Li-Ning's Arc Ace Sneakers are Technical and Design-Informed
Trend Themes
1. Midsole Perforation Sneaker Designs - Designing sneakers with perforations on the midsoles for functional purposes is a growing trend in the fashion industry, creating an opportunity for innovative technical and design techniques to enhance the structure and energy transfer of sneakers.
2. Fractal Art-inspired Footwear Designs - More designers are being inspired by fractal art and incorporating these patterns into their footwear designs, allowing for more unique and intricate designs within the fashion industry.
3. Technical Cage Overlaying Details - Adding technical cage overlaying details that enhance the structural integrity of sneakers, while also providing unique design elements, is a trend that is creating opportunities for innovative and functional designs in footwear.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can take inspiration from Li-Ning's Arc Ace sneakers in creating sneakers that combine intricate design elements with innovative technical features.
2. Footwear Industry - The footwear industry can benefit from incorporating midsole perforation designs and finding new ways to improve energy transfer and overall functionality of sneakers.
3. Art and Design Industry - The art and design industry can look to fractal art for inspiration in creating intricate and unique patterns that can be incorporated into various types of design, including footwear design.