Avavav has unveiled its third collaboration with Adidas Originals, a collection that redefines athletic footwear through a unique lens of exaggeration and irony. Set to launch on November 14, 2023, this new lineup showcases the innovative vision of creative director Beate Skonare Karlsson, who transforms classic silhouettes into striking sculptures.
The collection features a variety of designs, including the eye-catching 22-centimeter Luge Heel and a reimagined version of the iconic Superstar. These designs push the boundaries between performance and parody, inviting wearers to engage with footwear as an art form. The Modified Superstar, for instance, is constructed from a single piece of vacuum-molded leather, which directly incorporates the brand’s signature Three Stripes into its surface. This construction method strips away nostalgia while celebrating Adidas’s heritage in a fresh, modern context.
In addition to the Modified Superstar, the collection includes the Moonrubber Megaride, which has been expanded to showcase even larger proportions. Its distinctive bubbled outsole is complemented by reflective accents and redesigned panels, culminating in a high boot that serves as both functional footwear and a statement piece. The Luge Heel, on the other hand, takes inspiration from Adidas’s aerodynamic sports footwear, converting it into an exaggerated, surreal centerpiece that challenges conventional expectations of athletic gear.
Accompanying the footwear is a campaign orchestrated by Hungarian photographer Szilveszter Mako. The imagery captures models against painted backdrops and mirrored textures, emphasizing the contrast between stillness and movement. This artistic direction highlights the collection’s playful approach, positioning the shoes as protagonists in a narrative that embraces whimsy over sport. Karlsson describes this iteration of Adidas Originals as “for everyone else,” shifting focus from traditional athleticism to creative expression.
Apparel in the collection mirrors the same sense of proportion and contradiction found in the footwear. Trompe-l’œil track tops create the illusion of painted fabric, while puffers are designed to appear ballooned to a cartoonish scale. Accessories serve as sculptural extensions of the shoes, enhancing the overall theme of distortion. The collection also explores fragility through distressed hoodies and shredded t-shirts, adding another layer to the design narrative.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Avavav, solidifying its status among Adidas’s most visually ambitious partners. By reinterpreting iconic designs, Avavav continues to challenge the conventions of athletic footwear, inviting consumers to view shoes not merely as performance tools but as artistic statements.
As the launch date approaches, anticipation builds around this bold collection, which promises to engage both fashion enthusiasts and those seeking to make a statement through their footwear choices.
