What do you get when fine quality design, craftmanship and luxury aesthetics combine? A well-crafted new sports trainer if Lexus, the luxury car maker and Norman Walsh, the premium UK footwear manufacturer, collaborate with their considerable talents.
The new trainers, primarily based on the Lexus CF F Sport hatchback car – a self-charging hybrid model within the luxury range. The sharp styling and sports-themed interiors are key components of the car which the trainer designs wanted to translate across to a new footwear line. Hence, the new trainers take the same styling and colour palates of the car to inspire its latest line of premium trainer.
The black suede contrasts sharply with the bright Fuji red perforated leather and stitching on the trainer. This echoes the colour scheme of the interior of the CT F Sport car. Jason Crompton, Norman Walsh’s Head of Design, said the CT 200h’s interior design and soft and supple leather upholstery were striking qualities that helped inspire the creation of the new trainer. In fact, the creative team chose to use upholstery leather for the trainer, to recreate the luxurious feel of the car’s cabin. Further features include hard-wearing PVC soles in contrasting white and black.
To mark this special collaboration, Lexus commissioned a special wrap to cover the exterior of a CT F Sport with the new trainer design, complete with signature Union Flag detailing that features on Norman Walsh products. The trainers themselves have a discreet Lexus leather tab on one set of laces.
Whilst the trainers do not need a car collaboration to do them justice, it’s a positive move by both Norman Walsh and Lexus to bring together their considerable might in specific – and very different – disciplines to further fashion and automotive design. From the perspective of DiscerningGent.com it is a welcomed move; collaboration across disciplines is a huge growth area right now and it is fuelling innovation.
The new sports trainers are available from mid-October for a limited edition run only, until 9th November. The discerning gent should be quick to order his pair, RRP £165.
