Mr. Bailey x adidas Originals "OZMORPHIS" Sneaker Drop

Having unveiled the conceptual “OZLUCENT” sneaker last year, Mr. Bailey and adidas Originals are now gearing up to drop the highly-anticipated second installment of the collection titled “OZMORPHIS.”

As with the “Ammonite Superstar” and “OZLUCENT,” this drop follows the underwater theme of its predecessors. Channeling the lifecycle of the Aurelia Aurita, commonly known as the moon jellyfish, the latest drop ushers phase 02 of the series and sees its design evolve from an infant to Medusa — its two-foot wide final form — via its mature, streamlined shape.

Reminiscent of the structure of basketball silhouettes, the hi-top sneaker is dressed in a stealthy all-black colorway and plays with varying layered textures to achieve its futuristic look. Half of the molded TPU upper is wrapped in a semi-transparent mesh overlay inspired by the bell of the jellyfish while a dual-branded neoprene inner sock takes its cues from wetsuits. As well as an external skeletal PU lacing cage with no-tie locking system and heel pull tab, the adiPLUS midsole returns for this iteration providing the sneaker added comfort.

Describing the project’s objective last year as being to “understand aquatic life forms and how natural engineering systems can influence the latest footwear technology,” Mr. Bailey set out to conceptualize a complete immersive consumer experience. Similarly to the “OZLUCENT,” the sneaker is presented inside an inflated amniotic sac made from sugarcane and cellulose, and encased within a mycelium box — part of the mushroom family — that has been custom-grown specifically around its internal packaging.

The latest campaign, shot by London-based photographer Tayler Prince-Fraser, explores the complete concept of the “OZMORPHIS.” As well as utilizing a life-size translucent sack similar to the sneaker’s packaging, the visuals also expand on its scientific influence by recreating laboratory experiments.

To celebrate the launch of the collaborative sneaker, Mr. Bailey hosted an intimate friends and family dinner in London’s Design District. The culinary experience, curated by Heal Goblin and pastry chef Florence Robinson, took the drop’s mushroom inspiration to the mouths of attendees with the fungi forming the base of each experimental course served.

The Mr. Bailey x adidas Originals “OZMORPHIS” sneaker will be available in both men’s and women’s sizing and is slated to release on February 9, retailing at $160 USD. You can sign up to enter the raffle now on the CONFIRMED app and winning names will be drawn on drop day.