No, that headline was no joke, this latest Diadora N.9000 really is inspired by an albino gorilla. Let us explain. Japan’s X-LARGE and Spanish sneaker shop 24Kilates team up with Diadora for the collaboration, which combines the Japanese streetwear brand’s gorilla logo with the fact that Italy was home to the world’s only known albino gorilla, Copito, who lived at the Barcelona zoo from 1996 until his death in 2003.
The “Copito” N.9000 features a colorway inspired by the famous gorilla’s white fur and pink body, built in premium suede, nubuck, kangaroo leather, reflective 3M detailing, and pony hair on the heels. The shoe will release December 17th at the X-LARGE Store in Harajuku, Tokyo, at 24Kilates (Barcelona, Madrid and Bangkok) and at Ubiq’s new location in Washington, D.C. X-LARGE apparel made for the collaboration will also be sold at all release locations.