Following on from the capsule collection that launched last week, we see the first full drop of clothing and footwear from the adidas Originals X SPEZIAL line release for the Spring season tonight at midnight.
We see five styles pulled from adidas' extensive archive and updated for the new season, the usual slew of considered detailing is present throughout the collection with a mix of OG detailing and contemporary tweaks making this one of the strongest SPEZIAL collections to date. Take a look at the collection below alongside some inside knowledge, inspirations and sound advice quoted from SPEZIAL head honcho Gary Aspden...
Here we have the wonderful adidas Originals x SPEZIAL Jogger SPZL in this very "adidasy" Blue/Footwear White/Bluebird colourway. The Jogger SPZL is a real winner, an all round banger that needs to be in your weekly rotation, if you need another excuse then take the words of adidas' resident archive raider Gary Aspden - "A shoe this important just had to be done - always loved that tongue"
Just like the debut version of the Atlanta, these shoes combine proud city colours with details inspired by the original '83 running style. Some inside knowledge from Gary is that "if you planning to wear these shoes then probably best not to wear white socks with them. We did say that we have done everything possible to get them true to the OG. Getting the authentic colour/materials was a huge challenge as like the OG shoe that red is prone to bleed/migration. The main difference is that in the 80s they didn't carry a warning".
Unfathomable amounts of time and care go into each and every SPEZIAL style, with the Trainer being no exception. According to Gary "We have refined this 90s classic with an overhauling that includes a shorter toebox, different finish on the chalk white foxing, higher quality leather and suede, new tongue branding, Spezial footbed and bottle green stripes". The adidas Originals x SPEZIAL Trainer SPZL is one of our favourite styles to come through, that textured midsole, heel tab and serrated toe panel overlay is perfection.
The Wensley SPZL is "Inspired by a little known Russian shoe (its name translates as the 'Rapier') the shoe has an asymmetric pattern and retains many of the original details (e.g. no padding in the tongue)" according to Mr Aspden. We see a nylon upper with premium suede overlays delivering that classic adidas look. A soft leather lining adds comfort whilst we see serrated leather 3-Stripe side branding coupled with a gum coloured rubber outsole for durability.
If you're curious as to the inspiration of this silhouette "These shoes borrow classic details from the AS700 shoe and refresh them with a new colourway and embossed pattern on the tongue. The overall shape is slightly modified and features a suede upper and moulded tongue".
We see a concise 7-piece collection of clothing release alongside the SPEZIAL footwear which turns its attention to the parallels between British casual culture and Jamaican reggae culture. Cordura fabrications, utility pockets and flocked graphics elevate the collection far above your standard casual gear.
Here we have the adidas Originals x SPEZIAL Terrasse T-Shirt in this Off White colourway, the French graphic is inspired by a vintage in-store display, featuring a bit of wordplay with the word "terrace". The SPEZIAL Terrasse T-Shirt is constructed from cotton jersey with a soft handfeel, it's finished with a Spezial box logo label on the sleeve.
No summer time SPEZIAL collection is complete without a graphic tee, here we see football-inspired graphics executed in reggae colours. The SPEZIAL Mod Trefoil T-Shirt is constructed from a soft single jersey and accented with a Spezial box logo label on the sleeve.
Inspired by a vintage football jersey from French team FC Nantes, the jersey boasts flock-print graphics on the front and back whilst we see adidas' signature Climalite® fabrication utilised for a dry, comfortable feel.
An update on the classic Standard Training clothing series that debuted in the late '70s, this contemporary SPEZIAL update has climastorm tooling for protection from the elements and an open back panel for ventilation, a two-way metallic zip and a front utility pocket.
This banger is constructed from CORDURA®, a technical material often favoured for military gear because of its durability and weather resistance. Multiple cargo pockets provide a utilitarian aesthetic. Probably the best bit about this jacket is the badges and branding are detachable/ interchangeable!
The SPEZIAL Horwich Track Jacket draws inspiration from the beloved Beckenbauer track suit, an adidas classic. Made from a premium chambray fabrication, the SPEZIAL Horwich Track Jacket features two zip closure front pockets alongside a snap closure utility pocket, a two-way metallic full front zip closure, elasticated cuffs and of course the Spezial branded logo on the right breast finishes this beauty.
The SPEZIAL Horwich Track Pant draws inspiration from the beloved Beckenbauer track suit, an adidas classic. Constructed from a chambray material, the SPEZIAL Horwich Track Pant features zip closure pockets at the front and back, an elastic waistband and a button closure fly. These casual essentials are finished with a Spezial box logo label stands out below the lower right front pocket.
The Spezial Chambray Short is executed in a premium chambray fabrication. A slew of considered detailing features throughout including the Stitched 3-Stripes details accent the back flap pockets, rear elastic waistband and of course the Spezial box logo label on the leg.
The adidas Originals X SPEZIAL Spring '17 collection launches with us tonight at midnight.
