For his first footwear design, architect Kengo Kuma has created a trainer in collaboration with Japanese sports brand Asics that draws on the craft of bamboo knitting.
The shoe's upper consists of a slip-on mono-sock, overlaid with a criss-crossing pattern of clean, white strips.
It mimics the way that a supple material like bamboo is interlocked in the traditional technique of bamboo knitting ? or yatara ami ? to create a solid structure.

Made from recycled polyester, the lines are placed strategically to stabilise the foot, while also converging to form the Asics logo on the sides of the shoe.
"Originally, Japanese culture was based on 'connecting lines'," said Kuma. "A single line is weak, but bundle of lines in aggregate is strong. An approach to yatara ami combining delicacy and functionality works well with modern designs."
The shoe is named the Metaride AMU, based on Asics' classic Metaride shape which curves up towards the toes to prevent excessive bending of the ankles and reduce energy consumption.
A tan midsole breaks up the otherwise monochromatic shoe ? its colour derived from the natural fibres the material is made with. These are usually dyed, but were left uncoloured at Kuma's request.

"I was captivated by the fact that cellulose nanofibres are used in the midsole foam," he explained.
"This is a fibre material derived from wood. It was a great approach ? this material combines the contradictory functions of superior cush...