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Yankı Alper

Award Winning Senior Footwear Designer

Projects
GelZig

REEBOK COLLECTION

GelZig is a contemporary reinterpretation of Reebok’s iconic Zig DNA, evolved into a more refined and performance-driven running platform. The segmented midsole architecture enhances flexibility and stability, while a centrally integrated gel unit improves impact absorption and energy transition. By combining heritage geometry with modern cushioning technology, GelZig transforms a recognizable brand signature into a technically credible and future-ready running silhouette.

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AESTRA

IDA'25 GOLD WINNER

Lumberjack Astrea transforms ballet’s grace into everyday strength. Satin-like straps cross the upper like ribbons of a pointe shoe, while metallic closures add a modern edge. The sculpted sole, with its wave-shaped cut-outs, reflects the flow of movement and the resilience found in balance. Light, breathable mesh ensures daily comfort, making elegance wearable beyond the stage. Astrea is not only footwear but a symbol of justice and feminine power translated into contemporary street fashion.

OROCHY

IDA'25 SILVER WINNER

OROCHY channels the spirit of Japan’s legendary dragon, its power reflected in the sculpted sole that rises with bold, void-like cutouts. The layered upper recalls the discipline of samurai armor, merging protection with refined style. Black and white contrasts echo the stark balance of Japanese aesthetics, while functional details turn mythology into street-ready performance. More than footwear, OROCHY is a warrior’s presence in the urban battlefield — strength, discipline, and design moving as one.

VOID

GFA'25 CATEGORY WINNER

Born from the essence of nothingness, VOID unites fluid form and streetwear attitude. Crafted in one-piece phylon with a built-in mesh sock, it offers ultra-light comfort and breathability, wrapping the foot like a second skin. A luminous gel insert at the heel reflects the flowing energy of emptiness, while organic cut-outs embody the amorphous nature of the void. Beyond style, its seamless construction minimizes waste, answering both fashion and function. VOID is not past or future—it is comfort shaped by nothingness.

SANDORA

GFA'25 CATEGORY WINNER

Shaped by the shifting dunes, SANDORA captures the spirit of desert running. Its breathable upper is crafted from recycled mesh yarns, delivering lightweight comfort and ventilation. The sculpted phylon midsole, also recycled, channels natural dune geometry to return energy with every stride. Warm sand-inspired tones connect performance with nature, while its sustainable build reflects Lumberjack’s vision: a running shoe where speed, resilience, and responsibility move as one.

FUSION MOC

REEBOK COLLECTION

Designed for the 'post-sneaker' era, this concept challenges the boundaries of office-appropriate footwear. As the lines between work, leisure, and performance blur, the Heritage Hybrid offers a solution for the creative nomad.

By fusing the timeless elegance of a loafer with the rugged durability and comfort of a trail runner, this design bridges the gap between heritage style and future utility. It respects the past but runs towards the future.

AERO SLIP

REEBOK COLLECTION

The Reebok Aero Slip bridges the gap between high-performance recovery wear and premium lifestyle footwear. The core innovation lies in its dual-density sole construction: a structural outer shell housing an ultra-soft inner core, providing superior cushioning without compromising stability.

The design features strategic 'windows' on the midsole, visually revealing the soft tech within. Paired with a premium, laceless upper, the Aero Slip offers a sophisticated, fluid silhouette designed for effortless daily wear.

VECTORA

REEBOK COLLECTION

The Reebok Vectora is a modern homage to the golden era of terrace culture and vintage track silhouettes. Designed for the 'low-profile' trend, this concept strips away the bulk to focus on speed, agility, and timeless style.

The design is characterized by its aerodynamic lines and a distinct, asymmetric toe overlay that gives the shoe a forward-moving stance even when static. Executed in premium deep-burgundy suede with a classic gum outsole, the Vectora bridges the gap between 70s track heritage and contemporary street style. It is the ultimate everyday icon—refined, fast, and unmistakably Reebok.

NOVA MARY

REEBOK COLLECTION

A bold reinterpretation of the classic Mary Jane silhouette for the modern street-style landscape. The Nova Mary takes the traditional, demure Mary Jane and reconstructs it through Reebok’s technical design lens.

Gone are the delicate lines; in their place is a futuristic, metallic exoskeleton and an aggressive, sculptural tooling. This concept explores the intersection of Y2K cyber-aesthetics and contemporary tech-fashion, transforming a symbol of tradition into a statement of urban armor. It’s the Mary Jane, remixed for the concrete jungle.

CUSTOM SNEAKERS

REEBOK x ARCANE COLLECTION

A conceptual collaboration study merging Reebok’s archival DNA with the rich visual language of Arcane. The challenge was to translate the show’s distinct 'painted' art style and character traits into wearable footwear components.

From the glowing neon accents representing 'Shimmer' and 'Hextech' energy to the use of heavy canvas and metallic overlays, each design deconstructs a character’s identity. This collection demonstrates how footwear can act as an extension of character design, balancing wearable street style with deep-lore references.

CONCEPT DESIGNS

CHARACTER INSPIRED COLLECTION

This collection represents an extensive exploration into visual semiotics and narrative-driven design. The challenge was to deconstruct the identities of 30 distinct characters—analyzing their armor, personality, agility, and color palettes—and translate them into functional footwear silhouettes.

Rather than simple thematic coloring, each concept aims to embody the character's 'DNA' through material selection, sole architecture, and silhouette dynamics. This project showcases the versatility of translating abstract pop-culture references into tangible, market-ready footwear concepts.

©2025 by Yankı Alper

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