ADIDAS ORIGINALS X SPEZIAL LIMITED COLLECTION

Next weekend sees the much-anticipated launch of the new Adidas Originals x SPEZIAL range, a capsule collection inspired by archive pieces but with a high-end modern update. To coincide with the launch, see’s the second coming of the Spezial exhibition previously shown in London but now moving to Manchester – a match made in heaven based on the heritage of the brand and it’s wearer.

After an image was discovered online of a hidden gem in terms of a retail store in Argentina and a chance to discover some rare archive pieces to show at the exhibition, the A(didas)Team formed of Gary Aspden, Robert Brooks, Ian Brown & Mike Chetcuti and documented by Neil Bedford & Neil Bond set off in search of those old blue boxes and in turn the documentary “Sole Searching in South America” was created.

I was invited to the screening of the documentary at the new flagship Adidas store in London and the film was nothing short of breathtaking for anyone into trainers, to have walked into a store which was like something out of a museum and be faced with box after box of deadstock kicks – some you know and models you have never heard of must have been the stuff dreams are made of.

Then as an additional treat, we had an extra 6mins of footage with Gary, Adidas collector and brand collaborator, talking through the range piece-by-piece and the inspiration behind the footwear and clothing in the collection.  This was something I have not seen before, so a real treat in terms of the insight behind the design including the references to the casual culture which runs through the SPEZIAL brand.

Thanks to Gary, Robert, Mike and all at Adidas for putting on a great evening which truly blew me away.

Be sure to check out the new the Adidas Originals x SPEZIAL collection when it launches on the 25th October and the exhibition, which runs from 24th October to 2nd November in Manchester.