ANTA and Kyrie Irving unveil the KAI 2 “Artist on Court”, a palimpsest of his athletic finesse and artistic manifestation. The titular pair, a gestalt of his innate creativity, serves as a wearable tableau where on-court and off-court artistry converge.

A repository of his personal narrative, deeply rooted in his axiom of “Know Your Power”, this joint effort transcends the mere fabrication of footwear, seeking to synthesize sporting functionality with the cadence of creative expression. He perceives his athletic movements and design choices as a continuum of artistic endeavor. ANTA, acting as his atelier, enables this transmutation, rendering the KAI 2 a chronicle of his evolving saga.

As ANTA Basketball’s Chief Creative Officer, Irving aims to leave a lasting impression, stating:
“The KAI 2 is a culmination of everything I’ve envisioned—seamlessly merging cutting-edge innovation with futurism to bring my creative evolution to life.

“From the laces to the look and feel, every detail reflects the most dynamic and expressive shoe I’ve ever worn. No one’s shoes look like this. It’s about bringing the art of footwear to life in a way that’s never been done before.”

Artistic Details & Innovative Features

Hand-Painted Toebox: Inspired by Fauvist brushstrokes, the toebox showcases a bold, free-flowing design that captures the essence of expressive artistry.

Reimagined ANTA Logo: The side logo incorporates design elements rooted in Native American patterns, a nod to Kyrie’s heritage and personal growth.

Unique Heel Embroidery: Featuring an exclusive stitched interpretation of “KAI,” the heel represents Kyrie’s evolving journey—blending past, present, and future influences.

Textured Velvet Laces: Taking cues from Kyrie’s off-court style, the dual-lace system allows wearers to maintain a secure yet customizable fit.

Speckled Midsole: A tribute to oil painting textures, the mother-of-pearl-infused rear oval and splattered finish mimic handcrafted artistry.

“GATE” Heel Design: Inspired by Kyrie’s journey of self-discovery, the shape of the leather and the embedded lines symbolize a gateway to one’s inner power.

ANTA KAI 2 “Artist on Court” Release Details:

The ANTA KAI 2 “Artist on Court” launches on 28 February on ANTA.com, priced at US$140. Simultaneously, select ANTA stores across Southeast Asia will be holding their respective releases.

Singapore: Paragon ANTA Basketball Store
Philippines: Manila, One Ayala ANTA Store
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, TRX ANTA Store
Thailand: Bangkok, Central World ANTA Store
Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh, 81 Landmark ANTA Store

Discover more from Kyrie Irving’s ANTA collaboration, including the ANTA KAI HÉLÀ lifestyle series, as well as other colorways of the ANTA KAI 1 such as the “DA11AS” and “Love”.

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