On and Strijdom van der Merwe Collaborate on Unique Trail Installation in Tenerife

The stunning Poris Desert in Tenerife has become the canvas for a striking new creation by renowned South African land artist Strijdom van der Merwe. This ambitious project, commissioned by Swiss activewear brand On, features a 50-meter trail that weaves through the landscape, designed specifically for trail runners.

Inspired by ancient stone circles, the installation is part of On's ongoing collaboration with the avant-garde Korean sportswear brand Post Archive Faction (PAF). Known as 'Current Form 5.0', this initiative highlights the seamless integration of art and nature, showcasing how the surroundings inform the work.

Lucy Delacherois Day, On's global senior director of product, expressed her fascination with van der Merwe's process, noting, "What really stayed with me was the way he works with the landscape rather than simply placing an artwork in it." Van der Merwe himself emphasized the necessity of adapting his artistic vision to align with On's innovative ethos, resulting in a harmonious blend of art and functionality.

Central to this collaboration is the latest iteration of On's Cloudsoma trail-running shoe, set to launch on September 3, 2026. The shoe boasts a design inspired by natural rock formations and features advanced technology for optimal performance on diverse terrains. According to Delacherois Day, it embodies a strong visual identity while ensuring superior functionality.

PAF's co-founder Dongjoon Lim reflected on the project’s essence, stating, "The collection began with rocks I encountered while hiking… I wanted the shoes to carry some of their ruggedness." This partnership marks a significant chapter in the dialogue between nature, movement, and innovative design.

Source: www.wallpaper.com