adidas Is "Re-Evaluating" Its Partnership with Balenciaga

Balenciaga has been buffeted by the harsh winds of the fashion industry’s fury since its controversial “Gift Shop” campaign in November and the following ham-handed response to said fury. As partners, and, in some cases, consumers put space between themselves and the once-omnipotent brand — leaving many to wonder what’s next for Balenciaga — adidas is the latest to join the exodius: the Trefoil and Balenciaga are pausing their collaborative product launches.

Sneaker Freaker recently shared screenshots of customer service emails from Balenciaga and adidas stating pre-orders for items from the Balenciaga x adidas collection would be delayed or not fulfilled at all. “We have taken the time to re-evaluate our partnership with Balenciaga and we have decided to pause all product launches until further notice,” read adidas’ order cancelation email. “Unfortunately, therefore, we will be unable to fulfill your pre-order of the Balenciaga/adidas Stan Smith.” The email that Balenciaga sent was more opaque, stating that the shoes would be “delayed in shipment” and that the “previous tracking number” should be ignored.

According to Sneaker Freaker‘s report, the same customer had recently received a pair of Balenciaga x adidas Triple-S, meaning that the situation is likely fluid and will continue to evolve as the partnership is “re-evaluated” (read: until the general public’s fury over the ad campaign dies down). This “partnership pause” could also be region-specific, as the customer in question is based in Singapore.

Elsewhere, take a look back at how fashion evolved in 2022 — from a return to form on runways to playful designs, creative lead shuffles and more.