EARLS COLLECTION, the Sydney-based clothing label founded by former pro rugby player Lewi “Sharky” Brown, is launching its first-ever sneaker collaboration. Teaming up with ASICS, the brand presents the GT-2160 “Ngāwari.”
Ngāwari, which translates to “tread softly,” pays homage to Brown’s Māori heritage. The shoe features earthy brown suede overlays and a natural-colored woven mesh upper inspired by harakeke (New Zealand hemp), a fiber that Māori traditionally used to weave into kete (baskets) and whāriki (mats). Pops of green are inspired by pounamu, a durable stone found in southern New Zealand that is valued for carving. Additionally, the insoles feature a print inspired by pāua, large sea snails that have served as a food source for Māori for generations.
Brown dedicates this collaboration to his father, who like his father before him, took his own life after a long battle with mental illness. The name EARLS COLLECTION actually comes from the middle name Earl that connects all three generations.
The EARLS x ASICS GT-2160 “Ngāwari” will launch via raffle on the EARLS website, open from Sunday, February 11th until Wednesday, February 13th. A global release will follow on February 23rd at select retailers: HBX, Nice Kicks, Bodega, SSENSE, Kith, and Packer. Grab a look below.
EARLS x ASICS GT-2160 “Ngāwari”
Release Date: February 14, 2024 (EARLS)
Release Date: February 23, 2024 (Global)
Price: $150 USD
[…] has been killing it with their sneaker collabs. Big shout out to Up There, EARLS COLLECTION, and all of the brands from down under doing their thing. The next big Aussie sneaker collab comes […]