ADIDAS x WALES BONNER JAPAN (AW21)
" The concluding chapter in a trilogy of collections by Wales Bonner revealing threads between Britain and the Caribbean, Black Sunlight illuminates a world of Caribbean Thought and Black British intellectualism.
Black Oxford, which documents the long history of Black scholars at the university, formed a starting point for the research, which expanded into an exploration of diasporic radical thinkers of the 1980s. Black Sunlight reflects on a real and radiant community of scholars, poets and artists from the Caribbean, India and West Africa, whose work and writings advanced postcolonial discourse within both improvised community settings and established academic institutions. " Wales Bonner
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" Since their debut collection in 2020, adidas and Wales Bonner have established a harmonious partnership — one forged out of a deep appreciation for archival styling and detail-oriented design.
The latest from the two represents an extension of their distinctive approach to footwear, reworking classic styles with an emphasis on elevated details and materials. The shoe of choice is the Japan: a clean-cut, low-profile sneaker that first debuted back in 1964. Each iteration represents a transformation of the archival shoe, elevated through ‘80s-inspired colourways and intricate details. The white version is cut from perforated leather and accented with brown three stripes and Bonner’s signature contrast stitching, while a white and blue iteration is constructed from nylon and suede and detailed with reworked panelling. The grey and burgundy pair, meanwhile, showcase's Bonner's penchant for unconventional detailing, with serrated stripes that overlap at the heels. " END.
NS, new upper on existing outsole
creative direction : Grace Wales Bonner
developer : Suhong Feng Volz
material developer : Laura Schorr
product managers : Olivia Fernandez and Tobi Gbile
campaign shot : Tyler Mitchell
2020
Constructed from a navy nylon upper, this pair features suede patches to the side and heel of the shoe. Blue leather forms the toe box and eyelets as well as a cross at the back of the shoe, following the archival traits of the Japan model. A soft yellow is present on the tongue and stripes alongside detailed cotton stitching. Underfoot, an off-white midsole cushions every step while gold foil branding completes the shoe. / A
The only pair with a suede upper, this colourway sees the combination of brown and burgundy to give off a vintage feel. The crossed heel, again, follows the archival traits of the Japan silhouette, using a burgundy leather. A soft yellow midsole offers a reminder to classic 80’s runners and white lacing helps to complete the shoe. Gold foil branding is present in the form of “Wales Bonner” and the Adidas Trefoil Logo. / A
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