Three Designers Reimagine the Campus 80 for adidas Maker's Lab
Alex Nash, Helen Kirkum and RECOUTURE give the classic silhouette conceptual makeovers.
The adidas Maker’s Lab encourages creativity, collaboration and exploration, so for its latest project the Three Stripes has tapped a trifecta of rising designers to reimagine the Campus 80.
Alex Nash, Helen Kirkum and Shun Hirose of Japanese boutique RECOUTUREwere all given carte blanche to modify the classic silhouette, and each brought a vastly different interpretation of their communal canvas back to the table.
Nash chose to go full-on maximalist, adding both earth and neon tones to his design’s dual-layered upper. He also brought in inspiration from the company’s other products, using adidas EQT-style midfoot stripes, technical heel tabs and rope laces, and a giant red strap with bold adidas branding that almost looks like something out of the Jeremy Scott playbook.
Meanwhile, Kirkum opted for a work-in-progress look, using natural tones and intentionally haphazard detailing for a perfectly imperfect style. Of note on her design are details like a size tag stitched on the toebox, loose threads on the doubled-up quarter panel graphic, a second tongue placed by the medial collar, and rough-cut rubber on the midsole. The heel piece can also be removed to display a friends-and-family graphic when flipped around.
Last but not least, Hirose took a practical approach to his creation, mixing stark black, sharp grey, stately navy, and smooth burgundy tones for a crisp patchwork look that’s accented by white branding and stitching. He played with level as well, dropping the lateral quarter panel down onto the midsole, stitching the tongue directly to the upper, and adding an extra layer for the eyestays.
Uncommon designs deserve a unique release process, so the entire collection will arrive via open-market auction on StockX later this month. Each style is limited to a scant 333 pairs.
For more news from adidas Originals, check out the Home Of Classics pack, created in tandem with global travel community Trippin’.
