Ye has revealed a new piece of footwear under his YZY brand, unveiling the AQ-01 ahead of its scheduled release.
The AQ-01 is set to go on sale at 10 a.m. MT/11 a.m. CT Friday, April 24, according to a promotional image shared through YZY Instagram. The image also notes that the product is expected to ship within one to three days, a notable shift for the brand following earlier releases that left some customers waiting weeks or months for orders to arrive.
The AQ-01 appears to continue Ye’s recent minimalist footwear direction. The all-black shoe features a smooth, one-piece silhouette similar to the SL-01, the foam-based slip-on previously released by YZY. The new model includes small perforations along the side, which may be intended for ventilation, marking one of the few visible differences in the design.
Image from his Instagram story shows no visible logos or exterior branding. The shoe’s sole appears molded as a single unit with the upper, a design approach consistent with recent YZY footwear.
Ahead of the release, YZY has also posted a sign-up page for users to register for more information about the AQ-01 launch. The page requests an email address and phone number, but does not currently include pricing or additional product specifications.
The release comes as Ye continues rebuilding his independent fashion and footwear business following the end of his partnership with adidas. Recent YZY footwear launches have focused on low price points and simplified manufacturing, though the brand has faced criticism over shipping delays and sparse communication. The shorter projected shipping window for the AQ-01 suggests an effort to address those concerns.
As of Thursday night, April 23, YZY had not announced pricing, color options, or whether the AQ-01 would launch in additional styles beyond the black version shown.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ye AQ-01 first look, here’s how to buy YZY footwear
Reporting by Aaron A. Bedoya, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
