It’s been two months since Japanese rappers Hiyadam and JP THE WAVY brought the fire to Paris for the inaugural WTG event. WTG, which aims to link Europe to ASICS’ Japanese roots, is the brand experience facet of WHAT THE GEL, the sneaker companies lifestyle platform. Teaming for the second round, ASICS and UNRTD™ are exporting the exclusive affair to the heart of the German capital on August 29th. The next issue will be held within the cryptic walls of St. Agnes, a brutalist church now converted into an art gallery in the Kreuzberg district.

In collaboration with French-based studio ExperiensS, a unique layout has been created for the occasion, playing on the impressive high volume ceilings by varying intensities and contrasts with shadow and light. ASICS’s commitment to connecting with artists who share their values of a sound mind and sound body is reinforced with it’s lineup of visionary musical acts. Grammy-nominated, Tokyo-based producer starRo will lead the evening entertainment with his electro-groove universe, while being accompanied by a host of local artists. Among this group is the rapper Kelvyn Colt, whose explosive feature on music channel COLORS has landed him worldwide gigs, the experimental and melancholic producer Persian Empire, and DJ Not Your Girlfriend, who masterfully blends bass-heavy rap, grime and electronica.

The Berlin edition of WTG will be highlighting three iconic ASICS high-performance runner models: the Skysensor, the Tarther and the Japan Seiha 2. Worn by sneakerheads and athletes equally, like the most recent marathon winner in Boston, the silhouettes offer a perfect combination of cushioning, light-weight qualities and aesthetic.. It will be the first time ever that these made in Japan running shoes, which fuse the best of ASICS know-how in design and construction, will be available in Europe.

Wanting to strengthen the links between sneaker culture and fashion, ASICS has given the designers of clothing brand SADAK free-range to produce silhouettes that are perfectly in tune with the updated Skysensor, Tarther and the Japan Seiha 2. Graphic design and animation wizard Rybskie has rendered the complete head-to-toe looks in 3D, which will be unveiled in a virtual fashion show also designed by the digital artist.

More surprises lay ahead of this already-dynamic evening, which is centered around connecting which will only be accessible by invite. To ensure you get your name on the list, keep up with us on our social platforms. Can’t make it to Berlin? Watch the night unfold live on our Facebook and Instagram, or show up to WTG developments in Paris and London coming up in the following months.

Words: Naomi Clément