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The Kiko Kostadinov x Asics Lyasa FF II shoe.

Asics SportStyle and Kiko Kostadinov are back together again, this time with their second tabi silhouette.

Designed by Kiko Kostadinov’s Laura and Deanna Fanning, the new Lyasa FF II shoe model arrives in two colorways — Clay Grey/Jasper Green and Reddish Brown/Asics Blue — and merges the language of a brogue at the front with the structure of a trail shoe at the back.

First seen on the runway in 2025, the Lyasa FF II shoe builds on a series inspired by the split-toe Asics footwear developed for astronauts participating in a space training program in 2008. While retaining the distinctive tabi construction of its archival reference, the collaborative series introduces thicker bases and more substantial proportions to create a new expression.

For this fourth iteration, Laura and Deanna Fanning looked to archival Asics models featuring leather uppers, combining their formal qualities with technical details drawn from outdoor footwear. Brogue-inspired detailing gives the forefoot a more crafted and traditional appearance, while the trail-informed rear construction introduces a sense of utility.

The Lyasa FF II shoe is produced using a specially selected leather that develops natural variations across its surface. Differences in wrinkling, color, markings, grain and veining are inherent characteristics of the material, making each pair subtly unique without affecting its quality or performance.

The Kiko Kostadinov x Asics Lyasa FF II shoe, which retails for $230, is now available on both brand’s respective websites.

This latest project marks nearly a decade of collaboration between the Bulgarian fashion brand and the Japanese sportswear company. In February, the duo released the first iteration of the Lyasa FF shoe.

Kiko Kostadinov isn’t Asics’ only collaborator. Indeed, last month saw the release of Asics’ newest shoes with Amsterdam-based brand Camiel Fortgens. The project featured two updated takes of the Asics Gel-Cumulus 16 sneaker, realized in a mary jane-inspired style and a Velcro silhouette.

In August, Asics North America reported another strong quarter. According to the company, the U.S. saw sales grow 19.4 percent in the second quarter, while Canada was up 25.8 percent and Mexico jumped 30.4 percent.

The SportStyle category sustained its impressive growth posting a 77.6 percent sales increase in the quarter versus the same period last year and posted a notable 95.7 percent increase in the wholesale channel across all categories, including boutique and athletic specialty/sporting goods. The Gel-1130 and Gel-NYC footwear models produced triple-digit growth for the second consecutive quarter and were supported by strong sales of the Gel-Cumulus 16 shoe.

The Kiko Kostadinov x Asics Lyasa FF II shoe in Reddish Brown/Asics Blue.

Sigismondo joined P448 in 2018 as chief marketing officer.

P448 is continuing to bolster its leadership team.

According to the footwear company, it has promoted Lori Sigismondo to the role of brand president. She will report to Wayne Kulkin, executive chairman of P448 parent company StreetTrend LLC.

In her new role, the brand stated that Sigismondo will oversee the global strategy and execution for P448, focusing on the key initiatives of expanding its global retail presence. Other tasks will include enhancing digital channels by elevating P448’s online shopping experience and leveraging its digital marketing as well as fostering innovation, and maintaining efforts to incorporate sustainable practices across the business, the company said.

“I have always thrived in an outside-of-the-box work environment, where an entrepreneurial spirit helped lead to the best options for the business,” Sigismondo said in a statement. “And with P448 I have found that home. At P448 it’s all about community, innovation and creative vision, so I’m excited to continue to forge a path with our talented teams shining its spotlight brighter and farther within all the corners of the world.”

Sigismondo joined P448 in 2018 as chief marketing officer, where she spearheaded the redesign and relaunch of P448’s website and e-commerce platform, enhancing storytelling and global localization—including a dedicated UK site and additional sites in Australia, Canada and Mexico to launch later this year.

Sigismondo also led the opening of P448’s first mono-brand retail stores in New York City and Las Vegas, alongside successful pop-ups in Miami, Paris and Boston. She has coordinated an Asian market expansion under partnership with the Fang Group to include thus far three store openings (Beijing, Hefei and Macau) and a brand Tmall launch, and will further expand P448’s global store footprint within European markets.

Prior to joining P448, Sigismondo spent a decade at Stuart Weitzman within its marketing department, rising to her last position of vice president of retail marketing.

“Lori joined P448 with a strong background in global fashion leadership and has played a pivotal role in the brand’s growth to date,” Kulkin added. “Her strategic insight, creative vision, and ability to navigate a competitive marketplace position her perfectly to lead P448 into its next chapter. P448 is proud to be a signatory of the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles. We are committed, as a business, to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.”

The London company has been owned by Cinven Group since 2015.

In a surprise move, Steve Madden is snapping up Kurt Geiger for 289 million pounds in cash, or $360 million at current exchange.

Kurt Geiger’s private equity parent Cinven was first said to be considering a sale of the company back in 2023.

“With this acquisition, we are excited to add Kurt Geiger London, a brand that has exhibited exceptional growth over the last several years. [Its] unique brand image, high-quality and statement-making styles and compelling value proposition have driven success across multiple product categories, led by handbags,” said Edward Rosenfeld, chairman and chief executive officer of Steve Madden in a statement.

The CEO lauded the Kurt Geiger brand’s international following, focus on accessories and emphasis on direct-to-consumer channels, noting the business was complementary to Madden’s existing portfolio.

In a surprise move, Steve Madden is snapping up Kurt Geiger for 289 million pounds in cash, or $360 million at current exchange.

Kurt Geiger’s private equity parent Cinven was first said to be considering a sale of the company back in 2023.

“With this acquisition, we are excited to add Kurt Geiger London, a brand that has exhibited exceptional growth over the last several years. [Its] unique brand image, high-quality and statement-making styles and compelling value proposition have driven success across multiple product categories, led by handbags,” said Edward Rosenfeld, chairman and chief executive officer of Steve Madden in a statement.

The CEO lauded the Kurt Geiger brand’s international following, focus on accessories and emphasis on direct-to-consumer channels, noting the business was complementary to Madden’s existing portfolio.

Cinven bought Kurt Geiger back in 2015 in a deal with Sycamore valued at $372 million. Since then the company has focused on building its namesake brand, with major expansion in the U.S. and other markets.

“While we’ve delivered remarkable growth in recent years, we believe we are in the early stages of our growth journey, with significant expansion opportunities available to us,” said Kurt Geiger CEO Neil Clifford. “With its global infrastructure and proven track record of supporting and growing its brands, we believe Steve Madden is the right strategic partner to help us reach our potential.”

The companies said in a statement that Kurt Geiger’s revenue was $400 million pounds for the 12 months ended Feb. 1. In addition to its core brand, the company operates department store concessions at department stores across the U.K., including Harrods and Selfridges.

Steve Madden, founder and creative and design chief of his eponymous firm, marveled at how far his company has come in the past 30 years.

“When I started this company in 1990, I never dreamed we would be where we are today. Owning Dolce Vita, Betsey Johnson and ATM Collection, and now being able to partner with Kurt Geiger, is one of the great accomplishments of my career. The brand is doing better and better every year, and the opportunity to collaborate with them is thrilling. I get goosebumps just thinking about it,” he said.