A SYNTHESIS OF LEGACY AND INNOVATION

The Y-3 Regu, a standout from the SS25 collection, is a testament to the enduring synergy between adidas and Yohji Yamamoto. An audacious reinterpretation of two iconic models from the early days of the collaboration—Boxing and Taekwondo shoes—the Regu distils a legacy of innovation while anchoring itself firmly in the present. In this evolution, we witness a silhouette that is both modern and nostalgic, enveloped in premium materials and informed by cutting-edge design philosophies.

The Regu’s silhouette is a study in contrast. With its expansive, wide-cut form, it departs from its forebears in both shape and structure. The careful application of asymmetric lines and pattern cuts imbues the shoe with a fluid sense of motion, nodding to its sporting roots and elevated status as a fashion statement. Crafted from the finest leathers and meshes, the texture of the shoe is one of unparalleled refinement, offering a soft, tactile feel that speaks to the precision with which it was conceived.

The Regu draws its design lineage from the early 2000s, particularly the Mei, a model that had a profound influence on the direction of Y-3’s vision. The Mei, with its distinctive aesthetic and groundbreaking approach, provided the blueprint for the Regu’s form. The task was clear: to modernise this silhouette while preserving the timeless quality that made its predecessor an icon. In doing so, the Regu offers a compelling dialogue between past and present, effortlessly bridging two decades of design evolution.

Two versions of the Regu encapsulate this duality. The leather edition, with its luxurious foldover tongue and smooth, sculptural upper, exudes quiet sophistication. The leather is supple, and the construction impeccable, reflecting Yohji’s penchant for understated yet elevated craft. The minimalism of the design speaks volumes; the 3 Stripes etched into the medial side and the YOHJI YAMAMOTO branding on the lateral side serve as subtle yet powerful nods to the brand’s heritage. The addition of a torsion bar in the outsole elevates the shoe beyond mere aesthetics; this is a fusion of technological prowess and artisanal craftsmanship.

Conversely, the mesh version presents a more dynamic take on the Regu. The multilayered mesh upper, with its subtle underlying stripes, contrasts with the leather edition’s smooth sophistication, offering a more textural and layered approach. The foldover leather tongue remains, but here it serves as a grounding element, bringing cohesion to the multifaceted design. Once again, the torsion bar in the outsole ensures that the shoe not only excels in visual appeal but also in performance, a hallmark of the Y-3 ethos.

The development of Regu 2.0 involved a pivotal women’s workshop that sought to reimagine Y-3 from a women-first perspective. It was a decisive shift away from the traditional men-first approach, reflecting a broader cultural movement towards inclusivity and representation. The workshop’s findings underscored the importance of creating products that speak to the unique sensibilities and needs of women, ensuring that Y-3’s cutting-edge design could resonate across all audiences.

In reimagining these classic models, the Regu achieves something rare: a perfect balance between craftsmanship and technology, nostalgia and innovation. It is a shoe that speaks to the past while moving the conversation forward, creating a bold new narrative for the future of fashion.