Celine and Reebok Put the Freestyle Lo Back on Paris Streets

Heritage, two ways

Celine and Reebok have released a joint take on the Freestyle Lo, the aerobics shoe that first appeared in 1982. The pair, teased at Celine’s Paris men’s show in June, went on sale from 10 September on both brands’ sites in eight colours from bright red to dark brown.

The house described the project as “heritage two ways: Paris street, American movement.” That is a neat line for a luxury brand that wants trainers without looking as if it has given in to them.

Why this shoe, why now

The Freestyle is already a fashion antique with a second life on city sidewalks. Celine’s job is to make it look like a Left Bank object rather than gym stock. Eight colourways suggest the house is not treating this as a one-pair trophy.

A September that is already about shoes

The same week, Repetto and Yohji Yamamoto put a third ballet-loafer collaboration on sale. Paris is entering fashion month with feet first. The Celine-Reebok Lo is the most commercial of those steps.