adidas x Wales Bonner SS23
We owe a lot to renowned British designer Wales Bonner and her contribution to the fashion world. Apart from possibly owing the most for her role in the revival of the adidas Samba’s through her 2020 collab, Bonner’s impact lies in her unwavering commitment to cultural exploration through design. Wales Bonner has carved a unique niche for herself in the industry, drawing on her Jamaican roots to “bring an Afro-Atlantic perspective to European luxury.”
Since launching her brand ‘Wales Bonner’ in 2015, the 32 year-old sits amongst the few designers who have won almost every important fashion prize there is- Emerging Menswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards (2015), the LVMH Young Designer Prize (2016), Winner of the British Fashion Council/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund (2019), CFDA International Men's Designer of the Year (2021) and Independent British Brand at the Fashion Awards (2022). As a black women, this is just the tip of the ice-berg in terms of her influence and extraordinary tailoring which serves a much greater purpose in re-defining black identity and experience. By celebrating her own heritage and exploring a range of cultural references, her work challenges existing power structures and brings forward the beauty and richness of diverse cultural backgrounds. Bonner’s vision is more convincing now than ever, in part because of how exuberantly collaborative she is.
Staging her latest and first Paris runway show earlier this year, Bonner was really set for the podium where amongst her usual sartorial elegant pieces and meticulous craftsmanship, she showcased her collab with adidas and the Jamaican national soccer team. This collection challenged notions of masculinity and femininity, creating garments that transcend these bounds. It is no surprise then, that while dubbed as a “menswear” designer, Bonner’s pieces are loved by all and expand far outside the bounds of tuxedo’s.
With their vision to be the leaders of design and performance, it makes perfect sense that adidas would partner with Wales Bonner. The collection allows Bonner to hone in on her love for community and nature, as well as her flair for dancehall and sporting grails of that time, using the adidas Original archive as a perfect canvas. Following the success of their first collab in 2020, comes the latest unisex adidas x Wales Bonner S/S 2023 collection, bringing back the SL72 Knit Low's and apparel, all which sold out in a matter of minutes the first time round.
The SL72’s are an iconic silhouette on their own and paired and has been reimagined, yet again by Bonner, infusing it with her distinct cultural references and design sensibilities. Here, the sneaker retains its classic shape but takes a departure in its construction. In place of nylon, this rendition opts for woven mesh unders, with matching suedes and nubuck layered across the heel, toe box, and lace unit. The two colourways dress said fixtures in either a bright green or a deep brown, with each respective sneaker paired with pops of orange and red. Stitched detailing, which is a signature of Bonner’s designs, is seen on the heeltab as well as the outer edge of the tongue.
The apparel reimagines vintage silhouettes through elevated material compositions and fresh new colours. Drawing on Jamaica’s inspiring landscape, the collection features a knitted geometric patten sweater, a knitted vest in a colourblocked palette, and vibrant cotton tees.
It is clear from these designs that Bonner believes it when she says “there’s a lot about how Adidas exists in the culture that I’m inspired by.” This collection, from its products to its campaign, is a collective triumph- connecting landscapes and people to create an evocative sense of freedom, community, and togetherness.
The adidas x Wales Bonner S/S 2023 Collection drops tomorrow, the 9th of June, online only!
SL72 Knit Low “Brown”: R3599 in UK7-UK10
SL72 Knit Low “Green”: R3599 in UK7-UK10
Jacquard Knit Turtleneck: R3999 in S-XL
Plaid Fluffy Knit Vest: R3599 in S-XL
S/S Tee Cogold: R2199 in S-XL