Antazero taps Kris Van Assche for debut collaboration

Antazero, the sustainable sub-brand of Chinese sportswear giant Anta, has announced its first designer collaboration, joining forces with Belgian creative Kris Van Assche. 

For the inaugural collaboration, Van Assche—known for his stints at Dior Homme, Berluti, and his eponymous label—applies his couture sensibility to a full wardrobe spanning outerwear, tailoring, knitwear, and footwear, designed to move fluidly “from the running track to the city street.” 

Set to launch in November, the lineup highlights recycled nylon quilted puffers reimagined as belted coats and pea coats, double-faced jersey overcoats, and vegan leather parkas cut from mycelium-based alternatives. Knitwear and woven separates use recycled polyester, while Aerovent Zero, China’s first PFAS-free waterproof-breathable membrane, is employed in windbreakers and dresses. Coordinating hoodies and pants in EcoCosy fibers, along with lightweight skirts and boleros, expand the women’s offering—marking Van Assche’s return to womenswear.

Completing the collection are accessories including reinterpretations of Anta sneakers, alongside all-purpose backpacks and hats with alpine cord detailing. A controlled palette of black and limestone is offset with pops of orchid, teal, and frost tones, as well as a seasonal statement print.

“At this point in my career, I aim for projects with a clear positioning, where ambitions are aligned. I was intrigued by the challenge of working with Antazero,” said Van Assche.

“It meant learning new techniques, pushing quality within new constraints, and exploring sustainability at scale. The idea was always to merge my Parisian background with Anta’s sports DNA—to create something fresh, democratic, and beautiful.” 

The collection launches with a campaign, shot by Julien Martinez Leclerc and styled by Mauricio Nardi, that contrasts Parisian refinement with Shanghai’s modern energy, Meanwhile, the lookbook by Alessio Bolzoni emphasizes the collection’s chromatic range through overhead shots.

Founded in 1991, Anta has grown into China’s leading sportswear company. Antazero, launched in 2024 as a sustainability platform, represents the brand’s most ambitious commitment yet to lowering its environmental impact. 

“This is not merely a collection of products, but an answer to the question: Why does the world need Anta? We will fulfill our commitment to sustainable development through action and respond with greater confidence to the needs of the global market,” added Tsui Yeung, CEO of Anta Brand.