Wales Bonner & adidas Originals AW24 Collection
Step into a world within a world with the latest adidas Originals by Wales Bonner collection for Autumn/Winter 2024. This new collection pays homage to the essence of Harlem’s rich street culture, offering a contemporary reflection of the iconic 1980s New York through fashion, photography, and film. Drawing deep inspiration from the legendary street photography of Jamel Shabazz, this campaign captures the dynamic spirit of Harlem life in the '80s while translating it for a modern audience.
Photographed by Renell Medrano, the AW24 campaign takes place on the vibrant streets of Harlem, portraying a panoramic cross-section of its people and culture. Medrano’s lens brings a fresh and intimate perspective to the neighbourhood’s character, while also paying tribute to the past. The streets are alive with a diverse cast that includes skateboarders Kader Sylla and Carlisle Aikens from the adidas skate team, a teenage couple, siblings, an actress, a musician, and the model Lineisy Montero, each contributing their own unique style and attitude.
The campaign extends into film, directed by Ryosuke Tanzawa, who brings the campaign to life through a moving reflection of the energy of Harlem. The story offers a beautiful contrast between the rawness of the streets with the poetic, intimate moments of its inhabitants. Tanzawa's direction highlights the beauty in everyday scenes, weaving a short-fil that is both nostalgic yet relatable in 2024.
Styled by Tom Guinness, the collection features subtle nods to the iconic 80s hip-hop aesthetic. As the British-Caribbean designer and the Three Stripes looked to the foundations of hip-hop for inspiration, it only makes sense for this collection to see signatures like tracksuits, hoodies and track jackets in satsuma, chocolate and turquoise hues, finished with enlarged Adidas branding. A fleece-lined, padded parka offers protection from the city’s notoriously chilly winters, while floral knitted vests and shorts puncture the collection with vintage flair. Guinness showcased these pieces by combining jewellery, caps, sunglasses, and other heritage staples, reinterpreting streetwear staples through Bonner’s distinctive lens.
At the heart of the collection are three signature adidas silhouettes which form a central part of the story. The Samba has been reinterpreted once again in ‘Collegiate Navy’ and ‘Night Brown’, two styles with croc-embossed uppers and woven tongues that sit upon gum soles in line with the original design.
Continuing from last season’s drop, the 2009 Samba Millennium returns in the same split upper as Bonner’s previous take. The ‘Silver Metallic’ features a silver front-half while its heel has the same croc finish as the ‘Night Brown’ style. The other colourway, ‘St Fade Gold’, follows the same design: a blue croc-embossed rear meets a canary yellow toe.
Finally, the sneaker offering is complete with a take on the Originals Superstar. It’s upper is also croc-embossed but in a subtle ‘Wonder White’ with navy stripes.
This collection allows us to discover a world within a world. By revisiting the cultural and stylistic roots of 80s New York, the collection offers a unique take on modern street fashion, steeped in the spirit of Harlem and brought to life through the vision of Wales Bonner and adidas Originals.
