Following on from our post earlier in the week, here is a closer look at the first drop of Adidas Consortium Spring/Summer 2012.
Drop 1 from the collection continues on from A/W’11 ‘Tabula Rasa’ range, with five prominent creatives – all of which are from Olympic host cities – developing the ‘blank slate’ of five classic trainers into a games-inspired pack. Utilising the same premium approach as the Tabula Rasa collection with careful consideration given to the choice of materials and finishes, each style combining an intrinsic eye for detail with the designer’s own memories from Olympic Games gone by.
Subdued and understated, Sydney based designer Jim Thompson elevates the classic Matchplay silhouette, using subtle wax leather and pigskin uppers inspired by track shoes from the late 1930′s as well as drawing influence from the industrial workmanship of the era to give the trainer a hand-crafted feel. This is in stark contrast to London-based illustrator Kate Moross’s reworking of the Baltic Cup, which effortlessly incorporates premium suede uppers with her trademark triangle patterning which are ingeniously reflective.
Adidas haven’t just stuck to conventional artists, as is evident in the styles developed by Tokyo Hip Hop artist, Muro, and LA-Songwriter, Aloe Blacc. Reworking the classic Pro-Shell model – Muro dubbed his own creation as simply ‘aggressive’ – the devil is definitely in the detail with this understated mid-trainer which features jersey sock lining as well as luxurious snakeskin three stripe to the side panel. Alternatively, Aloe Blacc’s version of the Decade Hi is awash with Olympic history. Influenced by the efforts of Ethiopian Abebe Bikila, who won Marathon gold in Rome 1960 games, there is a translucent gum sole, heavy stitching to the midsole and oxblood leather uppers giving this trainer a very premium feel.
The first drop is finished off with a fantastic reinterpretation of one of Adidas most popular runners, the ZX500. Developed in partnership with the Berlin born sneaker obsessive, Quote, this classic profile is kept very much to its original spec with nylon and mesh uppers. The neutral colourway of this trainer is directly influenced by the Blue and White track of the Berlin Olympic Stadium of the 1972 games.
The Adidas Consortium ‘Your Story’ Drop 1 is available from May 19th, 2012. To register your interest, please email us and for a closer look, check out the video below…