Asics and Fidan Novruzova Unveil Exclusive, Handcrafted GEL-CUMULUS 16 Collection

Global athletic powerhouse Asics has successfully finalized its partnership with Moldovan designer Fidan Novruzova, culminating in the release of a highly anticipated, limited-edition footwear line. This joint effort, executed under the banner of the “Crafts for Mind” initiative, sees the transformation of the classic GEL-CUMULUS™ 16 running silhouette. The project seamlessly integrates Asics’ renowned technical sports proficiency with the sophisticated material selection and exacting craftsmanship that define Novruzova’s aesthetic vision.

The debut of this unique collaboration took place on a major international stage. The collection was officially unveiled during the Fidan Novruzova Spring-Summer 2026 runway presentation at Paris Fashion Week, which ran from September 29 through October 7, 2025. The collaboration successfully bridges the gap between high-performance sportswear and avant-garde luxury, positioning the reworked sneaker as a statement piece within the fashion landscape.

Novruzova approached the athletic design with her signature high-fashion sensibility, effectively elevating the performance shoe into a piece of wearable sculpture. Central to this redesign is the material upgrade: the designer incorporated premium, high-quality leather, mirroring the luxurious textiles she utilizes across her established accessory collections. This choice immediately distinguishes the shoe from its traditional athletic counterparts.

The most striking modification is found in the tongue construction. Executed using a precise square-fold technique, the tongue is dramatically embellished with an oversized leather tassel. This bold feature serves not only as a decorative element but also cleverly obscures a portion of the traditional lacing system. Furthermore, the design language employed by Novruzova pays homage to historical footwear traditions, drawing direct inspiration from classic moccasin construction and the geometric elegance inherent in the Art Deco movement, providing a rich, layered context to the modern sneaker.

Exclusivity defines this release, as the series is strictly limited to just 100 pairs globally. Reflecting the meticulous attention to detail, every single pair has been individually handcrafted. The design is offered in two deeply saturated, monochrome colorways: “Black” and “Dark Cherry.” Crucially, while the exterior has undergone a dramatic aesthetic overhaul, the foundational performance integrity of the shoe remains intact. The GEL-CUMULUS model’s essential cushioning structure, renowned for its comfort and support, is fully preserved beneath the luxurious new exterior.

Beyond its artistic merit and limited availability, the partnership carries a significant philanthropic component. A portion of the revenue generated from the sale of these exclusive sneakers will be dedicated to supporting critical medical research. These funds are earmarked for the Fondation pour la Recherche sur l'Endométriose (Endometriosis Research Foundation), underscoring the brand’s commitment to social responsibility alongside high fashion innovation.