BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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In one of 2025’s most exciting fashion collaborations, Skepta’s MAINS has teamed up with heritage footwear label Kickers to drop a limited-edition capsule that merges timeless design with street-bred luxury. Officially launching on June 14, this partnership breathes new life into Kickers’ iconic silhouettes while celebrating 50 years of the brand’s subcultural legacy. With two headline pieces–the reimagined Kick Hi and the all-new Kick Mule–this drop is more than just a fashion moment; it’s a cultural statement rooted in British style history, rave culture, and community empowerment.
The collection made its debut at the MAINS Season 2 show during London Fashion Week in September 2024. It was a star-studded affair attended by figures like Central Cee, Dave, Leomie Anderson, and Jack Harlow, with Skepta presenting his vision of collegiate cool merged with urban edge. MAINS’ runway blended tailored varsity cuts, neckties, military trousers, embroidered jackets, and mullet wigs–each look strategically layered to complement the footwear. At the center of it all were the reinvented Kickers, standing as proud symbols of heritage reworked for a modern audience.
At the heart of the collection lies the Kick Mule–a bold, first-ever silhouette designed in collaboration with Mikey Pearce under Skepta’s direction. This slip-on hybrid transforms the classic Kick Low into a luxury staple, complete with premium leather uppers, lace fastenings, and a plush faux-fur lining at the heel for added comfort and flair. Available in three versatile colorways–rich dark red pull-up leather, sand-toned tan nubuck, and sleek black with contrast stitching–the Mule commands attention while remaining effortlessly wearable. It’s a daring departure for Kickers, yet one that feels right at home in MAINS’ subversive world. Retailing for £200 and unisex in sizes UK 3 –12, the Kick Mule has already been hailed by fashion critics as “a real showstopper.”
Alongside the Mules, Skepta pays homage to Kickers’ iconic roots with a refined update to the beloved Kick Hi. Offered in a dark green variant with off-white highlights and a sleek grey snake-print leather, the new Kick His retain their classic build but boast elevated textures and sharper details. Each pair is adorned with dual branding–from the quarter tabs to the signature fleurettes–making the collection unmistakably MAINS and unmistakably Kickers. Priced at £160, these premium interpretations celebrate five decades of the Kick Hi silhouette while aligning it firmly with today’s streetwear aesthetic.
To mark the release, MAINS and Kickers are hosting a one-day pop-up shop on June 14 at 18 Marshall Street in Soho, London. Open from 12 PM to 8 PM, the space will showcase both footwear pieces alongside apparel from MAINS Drop 3, which includes graphic tees and embroidered outerwear in line with the season’s collegiate theme. Shoppers can also cop their pairs online through MAINS London, Kickers UK, and select stockists like Footpatrol. With limited quantities available, the buzz around the launch is intense, especially as it ties into an exclusive Skepta-hosted event.
Every detail in the MAINS x Kickers collaboration has been carefully considered. From the dual branding to the exclusive rave, the collection not only redefines footwear but also cements Skepta’s status as a true multidisciplinary visionary. He isn’t just remixing fashion–he’s remixing community, legacy, and what it means to stand for something real. By merging nostalgic British design with a fearless future-facing aesthetic, MAINS and Kickers have delivered a collection that’s bound to go down in fashion history as one of the most meaningful drops of the year.
