# Japanese Workwear-Honoring Shoes Kiko Kostadinov and ASICS Join on the New Gel-Kiril 3 Model By Amy Duong | Published 2025-02-22 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkiril-3 References: [kikokostadinov](http://kikokostadinov.com/)  [ASICS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ub10s-gelkayano-20) continues to grow its partnership with Bulgarian designer Kiko Kostadinov as the two present the Gel-Kiril 3 sneaker model. The silhouette is crafted as a celebration of Japanese workwear with [muted colorways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelk1011). The London-based designer adds two new colorways to the roster with a slew of upgraded details with a focus on Japanese worker uniforms. ASICS adds [technical expertise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkinetic-fluent) with the direction of Kostadinov. The in-motion campaign to celebrate the shoe imagines the worker-centric influence behind the design. The images are shot just an hour outside of bustling Tokyo with images of actual workers: Daisuke, Kenta, and Rikiya building traditional scaffolding in Chiba. The new Gel-Kiril 3 comes in a tonal brown hue with bright yellow details and a black variation with blue accents. Image Credit: Kiko Kostadinov, ASICS ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 36% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Cultural-influence Fashion:** Fashion brands are increasingly drawing inspiration from cultural workwear, creating products with both aesthetic appeal and cultural resonance. - **Collaborative Design Partnerships:** Partnerships between global designers and brands are paving the way for cross-cultural design amalgamations, blending international aesthetics with innovative expertise. - **Functional Fashion Aesthetics:** There is a growing trend toward merging fashion with function, leading to products that prioritize utility without compromising on style. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear Industry:** The footwear industry is embracing designer collaborations to create unique, culturally inspired shoe collections that appeal to niche markets. - **Outdoor Apparel Industry:** Outdoor apparel companies are exploring partnerships to infuse traditional workwear elements into modern designs, combining heritage with contemporary needs. - **Fashion Retail Industry:** Retailers are recognizing the value of exclusive design collaborations, leveraging them to attract consumers seeking limited-edition and culturally meaningful pieces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nature-Inspired Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ub10s-gelkayano-20.md) - [Bold Patterned Luxurious Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelds-trainer-14.md) - [Sleek Collaborative Tech Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asics-gelteremoa.md) - [Technical Breathable Mesh Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelteremoa-sneaker.md) - [Fashionable Sportswear Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asics-novalis-release.md) - [Luxe Split-Toe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ilargi-ff.md) - [Minimal Earth Toned Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelk1011.md) - [Translucent Overlaid Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archisite-oru.md) - [Retro Aesthetic Lifestyle Trainers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelsekiran.md)