First Look At The adidas Originals by Arwa Al Banawi Forum Lo Sneaker
Empowering women and fusing traditional Arabic tailoring with contemporary design.
Through various collaborations with the likes of HUMAN MADE, Bad Bunny and Beyoncé, adidas Originals delves into its archives to revive its iconic Forum Lo silhouette. This season, the sportswear brand calls upon Arwa Al Banawi to unveil her unique iteration of the classic sneaker.
Launched in 2015, the Saudi Arabian designer garnered acclaim by seamlessly fusing elements of Eastern aesthetics through a Western lens, using her eponymous label to communicate her Arabic heritage as well as championing female empowerment. After noticing a void for professional yet fashion-forward womenswear garments, the contemporary brand aims to bridge the gap between high-end fashion and streetwear. Designed for “The Suitable Woman”, Al Banawi’s signature aesthetic is subtly androgynous yet boasts a feminine appeal.
Teaming up with adidas Originals, Arwa Al Banawi translates her unique design cues onto the Forum Lo. Drawing on her spirit animal, the Ibex, the sneaker’s details are inspired by the “Capra” or “mountain goat family.” Comprised of a canvas upper with premium suede overlays, the silhouette adopts pastel desert hues reworking its signature three stripes in soft-touch leather, matching its hand-stitched embroidery. Incorporating traditional tailoring in a contemporary perspective, its stand-out heel cap is adorned in woven red and white fabrics inspired by Arabic checkered patterns. The sneaker is rounded off with touches of gold including branded lace tags, a graphic footbed and gold foil dual-branded accents.
The accompanying campaign by Cheb Moha and Chndy features Lana and juxtaposes contemporary style cues with natural backdrops, capturing Arwa Al Banawi’s fondness for nature. Blending Eastern and Western influences, the sneaker is a celebration of cultures, mirrored onto a contemporary art installation in the middle of AlUla — a UNESCO heritage site located in the rocky landscapes of North West Saudi Arabia.
Early access to limited pairs of the adidas Originals by Arwa Al Banawi Forum Lo will be made available virtually. The Gulf region can shop directly from AlUla on May 25 at 6pm GST / 10am EDT as well as on the adidas CONFIRMED app in Europe and the U.S. The sneaker will then be launched globally online and through select retailers on May 28 at 10am GST / 2am EDT.
