Dingyun Zhang and adidas Unveil The 'Kouza' Silhouette
Translating the Shanghai designer’s futuristic forms to a new pair inspired by adidas’ Beijing Boxing Boot from the ‘08 Olympics.
Dingyun Zhang and adidas Originals are expanding their partnership with a brand new silhouette that utilizes the Chinese designer’s forward-thinking interplay of form and function.
In a statement Zhang said “I’m obsessed with the idea of transformation, and how nothing is as it seems.” He continues saying “the adidas Kouza embodies the oscillation between form and function while retaining elegance and style.” Marking Zhang’s first original model with adidas following his recent interpolation of the Samba, the Kouza conveys the designer’s distinctly futuristic vision while making gentle nods to his heritage.
The former YEEZY designer and CSM-alum has already established a strong identity for his craft through his fantastically oversized puffer pieces and reinvented references to ancient Chinese and Mongolian combat gear. However, the Kouza sneaker draws inspiration from a more recent cultural reference: adidas’ 2008 Beijing Olympics Boxing Boot. Like the original boots, the Kouza boasts ventilated netting underlays at the quarter, but opts instead for a mid silhouette with a more prominent sole and exaggerated arch. Right in line with the designer’s playful approach to proportions, an oversized heel counter extends over the pull tab.
Three colorways are coming with the first Kouza drop, including a mostly black variant with bright blue laces, a gray variant accented with light blue and tan, and on the lightest end, a largely white colorway with gentle green underlays. Along with the drop of the new silhouette the partners are also introducing new Dingyun Zhang adidas Samba colorways including a tonal gray and a brown with contrasting orange and white details.
The latest Dingyun Zhang adidas capsule will land on October 15 at select retailers.
