adidas Originals By Wales Bonner
adidas Originals and British designer Wales Bonner partner once again to present their latest collaborative project – which plays an integral part of Bonner’s “Black Sunlight” Fall Winter 21 collection.
Informed by broad research encompassing critical theory, musical composition, literature and history, Wales Bonner embraces a multiplicity of perspectives, proposing a distinct notion of luxury, via a hybrid of European and Afro-Atlantic approaches. Grace Wales Bonner launched her eponymous label in 2014, following her graduation from Central Saint Martins. Established as a menswear brand, Wales Bonner’s soulful tailoring soon expanded to womenswear – in 2015, she was awarded Emerging Menswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards. In 2016, following her first solo runway presentation – Ezekiel, she received the LVMH Young Designer Prize. In 2019, Wales Bonner was invited by Maria Grazia Chiuri to collaborate with Dior to re-interpret their New Look silhouette for the Resort 2020 collection; shortly afterwards she was announced the winner of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.
Rounding off a trilogy of collections – Black Sunlight illuminates a world of Caribbean Thought and Black British intellectualism, reflecting on the scholars, poets and artists from the Caribbean, India, and West Africa whose work and writings advanced postcolonial discourse in the UK and across the globe.
Focusing on the iconic adidas Japan silhouette – signature material tweaks and unique colour updates bring the collection’s thematic inspiration to life with the Wales Bonner Japan presented in multiple quintessential and tasteful colourways. Additional premium detailing across the set includes plush leather stripes, crocheted tongues, and moccasin border stitching – all finished with embossed gold foil Wales Bonner branding on the lateral and supplementary crochet laces with each pair.
The adidas Originals by Wales Bonner footwear collection is online now.
Nike Dunk High ‘University Red’
Nike returns with a plethora of throwback colourways for the Dunk silhouette in both high and low iterations, each finished in a classic leather upper. This Dunk High features the St John’s college basketball team colours of red and white from the original Nike ‘Be True To Your School’ 1985 pack, alongside a court focused rubber outsole and heritage inspired tongue.
The Nike Dunk High ‘University Red’ launches at HIP on 11/02/22 online via raffle.
Nike Dunk Low ‘Dark Marina Blue’
A firm favourite from 1980s Basketball history – Nike returns for 2022 with a plethora of colourways for the ever-popular Dunk silhouette in both high and low iterations. This Dunk Low features a premium leather upper with a clean, college inspired two-toned colour blocked design throughout – all finished with a court focused rubber outsole and heritage inspired tongue.
The Nike Dunk Low ‘Dark Marina Blue’ launches at HIP on 03/02/22 online via raffle.
adidas SPEZIAL Pre-Spring ’22 Collection
Gary Aspden’s coveted adidas Originals SPEZIAL imprint returns with a new long-awaited collection for pre-spring. Featuring a variety of silhouettes taking reference from the adidas Originals archives, the collection draws wide inspiration from military aesthetics and rugged outdoorswear, whilst staying within the brands unique point of view.
Consisting of five unique silhouettes, the footwear offering for SPEZIAL pre-spring ’22 is a mix of new hybrids alongside tweaked versions of lesser known shoes from the brand’s rich history. Starting off with the Moscrop SPZL, this hybrid is a completely reworked shoe inspired by the archival Raider silhouette – comprising of a technical CORDURA upper combined with suede accents suitable for use on all terrains. The Winterhill SPZL continues the rugged outdoors seasonal focus as the classic Spezial silhouette is reworked with speckled laces, a technical ripstop upper, suede accents, and an adi-Tex membrane. Another technical take on a classic – then Lothertex SPZL, is a durable spin on the Lotherton silhouette, boasting a leather upper, a gusset tongue, and adi-Tex membrane. Looking towards to leisure side of the adidas archive, the Carnforth SPZL is a seasonal hybrid take on a classic leisure shoe – designed for outdoor-lovers in mind and finished with a traditional feel full-grain leather upper. Rounding off the footwear selection for this collection is two vibrant colourways of the Barrowland SPZL – a brand new silhouette with a classic terrace flat look, finished with eye-catching fresh suede uppers and matched with classic gum outsoles.
Transitioning focus from footwear to accompanying apparel – the collection features a number of military-inspired garments which are led by the Barrowland Jacket. Based on the classic Horwich anorak from SS17, the fully functional Barrowland Jacket features technical pocket details and sealed seams to create a robust, vintage inspired build. Another highlight in the collection is the Trongate Jacket – which offers a carefully considered construction with a multi-pocket chest, sealed seams, and a mesh lining. Looking to the brand’s inimitable sportswear heritage and signature design language – the timeless Mod Trefoil Crew is updated with a brushed cotton inner, whilst the ever popular Meanwood Polo is given a seasonal khaki refresh. The archive inspired Anderston Top and Pant round out the apparel selection as a matching set with a nod to vintage military silhouettes – the top boasts ripstop pockets for added durability whilst both pieces are composed of a plain weave fabric for a classic feel.
The adidas SPEZIAL Pre-Spring ’22 Collection is available online now and in Leeds.
