British Kicks

Sportswear companies continue to tap British designers to add a bit of kick to their brand images. Stella McCartney is in a happy marriage with Adidas, continuing to turn out dusty-colored workout/streetwear clothes after a successful three-year run. Kim Jones wrapped up a several-years-long consultancy for Umbro only after his recent appointment as creative director of Dunhill, and Hussein Chalayan was named the creative director of Puma just last week.

Now, British sportswear brand Gola has called on Jonathan Saunders to produce a line of unisex footwear, Gola by Jonathan Saunders, that's slated to hit stores this spring. Saunders designed a capsule collection inspired by his own s/s '08 line. Graphic flourishes are limited to light striping as well as navy, white and tan paneling on ballerina-flat trainers for ladies. On the men's side, the choices come equally chic—a white-and-navy option for a hint of the nautical, or a slick high-top that combines red, yellow and white accents.

Although these trainers are not wholly unlike what we've seen from Raf Simons or Martin Margiela, they're distinguished by Saunders' subtle use of complementary textures, including shiny and matte leathers and printed fabrics. The shoes will be available exclusively online at www.asos.com.

—Jason Campbell