Li-Ning Spring/Summer 2021 "New Frontier"

Following the celebration of its 30th Anniversary in 2020, Li-Ning—China’s icon of athletics and style—forges onward for Spring Summer 2021 with the launch of, “New Frontier”.

Dissecting many of the same themes first examined in the brand’s digital fashion presentation shown during Paris Fashion Week in October of last year, the sport pioneer’s new film and image series explores these new frontiers—both literally and figuratively.

Situated in a barren desert setting in Los Angeles county, the season’s visual journey—conceived by photographer Mel Bles and styled by Jay Massacret—captures a distant, desolate land, through which mysterious figures trek across shifting terrain. The permeating mood is at once futuristic yet primitive, with sudden, unexpected bursts of water arriving and floating in mid-air, interspersed with footage of raging fire—a knowing reference to the collection's drawing inspiration from the 4 classical elements of creation.

“New Frontier’s” rocky, mountainous landscapes—in direct reference to yet a 3rd classical element, earth—harkens back to the collection’s outdoor, trail influences—especially apparent in the choice of apparel featured in the film. This comes to life in the season’s color palette, textile treatments and patterns, some of which resemble layers of sedimentary rock, shifting sands and rich, red clay. The elements inspiring the season’s direction is evident elsewhere in the assortment too, with a series of white separates meant to represent air and a capsule of pale, blue denim pieces—a first for Li-Ning’s runway collection—referencing water. In terms of silhouette, much of the apparel seen throughout is relaxed, cut loose and languid, using a host of lighter weight, fluid fabrics. Elements of garment construction, like box pleating and gathering, are exaggerated to create such fullness—all allowing for ease of movement as the figures curiously explore their ever-evolving setting.
The edited selection of footwear styles seen throughout “New Frontier” live up to the project’s name—multidimensional forms born at the intersection of boundary-advancing design and modern fabrication. The first shoe to appear in the film—the wildly imaginative, 3-piece Mix Ace, with its convertible sandal to trainer style— arrives, prepared to meet the shifting landscapes to come. The customizable silhouette’s components include: 1) the flexible, outside cage-like TPU frame connecting to the 2) UVA sole through a series of grooves and 3) the lightweight, breathable mesh inner boot that slips inside both pieces. Inspired by the concept of Chinese architectural design “Sun Mao”, each part unites and is held together completely without adhesive.

The season’s running range, meanwhile, is glimpsed at through “New Frontier’s” inclusion of the CRC Shadow, a new iteration of the pioneering silhouette known for its split-level, hollowed-out sole. The sculptural Ace 2—another runner-derived style—is the latest addition to the Furious Rider franchise, continuing that series’ fascination with the important role of the Furious Horse in Chinese culture. This newest edition projects a more explicit, visual interpretation of the beautiful creature's toned muscles and skeletal system.

Lifestyle shoes, meanwhile, are led boldly into the future with the technical, cyber punk–resembling Xuan Kong. Distinctive for its ultra-chunky sole unit extending well beyond its heel, this new model looks to archival Li-Ning footwear, reviving and updating a storied design detail in the process: the TPU “bow”-inspired shape that hollows out the shoe’s sole and unites its disparate, multi-component base.

Finally, in basketball, the new Wu Xing II Qian model looks ahead to the footwear of tomorrow. The hi-top silhouette pairs an integrated folding upper structure with a vamp spliced by transparent insets, mesh details and ventilating holes - all improving breathability, temperature regulation and comfort. The shoe’s pull-out tightening lace system, meanwhile, allows for quick adjustments and closure with ease while the Qian’s sole adopts a bionic shape, inspired by the rippling movement of water. Lastly, slots are designed and cut into the model’s base, allowing for increased movement and flexibility.

Taken together, this edited assortment of Li-Ning SS 21 footwear provides an imaginative first glimpse of what else the season has in-store, not to mention the future of shoe design at large.

Further details and images of remaining Li-Ning Spring / Summer 21 styles—including additional footwear and apparel—will be forthcoming.


“New Frontier” Credits:

Photography: Mel Bles
Styling: Jay Massacret
CGI + Video Editing: Studio Private
Creative Direction: PL Studio
Production: Webber
Casting: Nicola Kast @ Webber
Cast: Sophie Koella @ Vision; Trystin Valentino @ Margaux; James Baek @ Select
Location: Los Angeles County, California