PORTER x adidas Five-Two 3 Nizza

Japan’s PORTER brand is synonymous with great luggage, named after the diligent characters who handle more bags and cases than anyone else, and their orange-lined TANKER series has been part of the collection since 1983. PORTER’s take on the Nizza Hi uses a similar black padded nylon and orange lining to bring out the very best in the Nizza’s simple paneling. A zipper feature down the shoe’s heel takes the baggage theme one step beyond any standard collaboration, encapsulating the look perfectly while serving a utilitarian purpose in ease-of-wear. The vulcanized sole carries black foxing, completed with a gum outsole, and tonal 3-Stripes and the easily recognizable branding for both companies is highlighted on the tongue, acting as the stamp of authenticity on this perfect representation of PORTER’s bestselling blend of functionality, premium quality and the cutting edge, packaged in, what else? A special zip pocketed tote bag.

PORTER x adidas Five-Two 3 Nizza Interview

Can you tell us a bit about your role at Porter?
We’ve been creating bags and accessories as a design team of Porter which is own brand of YOSHIDA KABAN. Porter brand was launched back in 1962 and our iconic products Tanker made of MA-1 jacket material debuted 26 years ago.

When the project initially came up, what were your feelings/expectations about adidas?
I and Kazuki have known each other for a long time and he invited us to take part in this great collaboration project last summer. I remember we were very excited to work closely with the historical and sophisticated sports/lifestyle brand. We’ve spent almost one year on creation process for the footwear and bag since our early meeting with adidas Originals and we are very happy with the outcome of the products.

How does designing sneakers compare to designing bags/accessories?
Initial concept for this collaboration Nizza is how we can execute details of Tanker inspired by flight jacket on one of their most historical footwear. This project was our first experience of designing footwear. We chose the exactly the same fabric for black upper and orange lining as Tanker products, and both of them wonderfully fit in well with Nizza.

What are your thoughts on the Nizza model?
It is definitely one of the master-piece of adidas, easy to coordinate with any kind of bottoms, and truly evergreen design which is popular in every market on globe. In comparison to other models of Five-Two 3, Nizza is the most suitable model to execute concept and details of Tanker.

The kicks do an excellent job of incorporating the Porter aesthetic. How happy are you with the outcome?
The outcome of Nizza is totally outstanding and came with even better quality and appearance than we expected. We are very looking forward to how consumers around the world react to this collaboration product. This is the very first footwear products as Porter brand, so we are excited to see feedback from global audience.

Are there any accessories included with the sneakers?
We are manufacturer of luggage and thought creating packable shoes bag as accessories would be a good story for this collaboration. The bag measurement is based on adidas originals footwear shoes box, so people who bought the footwear can put them in the bag and can even bring back home without shopping bag.

What other plans does Porter have for the rest of 2009?
We’re now working on some special project for our 75th anniversary in 2010.

Any final words?
Taking part in this special project was very exciting and new experience for us, and we hope global audience will like adidas x Porter Nizza.

About PORTER
Launched in 1962 by Japan’s leading luggage company, YOSHIDA & CO. as their epoch-making private label, the brand was developed on the basis of the fact that the Porter, who bears and touches luggage continuously, knows more about bags than anyone else. The design mission of PORTER is to integrate authenticity into design technique at the highest level in order to keep on creating luggage that will be used habitually by their great number of devotees. Commencing with the TANKER series, which have been staple products since 1983, PORTER is now offering a number of various series every season that continue to set the benchmark in stylish, functional luggage.