Jovani Hernandez Visionary. Bridge. Original. These are the words adidas Originals used on its Instagram account to describe Edison Chen, its newest creative partner.
Rumors of the CLOT-founder ending his partnership with Nike, Inc. began to circulate in late June, leaving fans confused as the longtime relationship seemed prosperous from the outside. Chen and the Swoosh, however, fueled the rumor mill with the launch of the “What the CLOT” Dunk a month later, referencing 17 different pairs they’ve released since 2006. The last hoorah was only succeeded by a Friends & Family version of the Air Jordan 5 Low “White Silk,” closing an important partnership between West and East.
But where would Chen be taking his CLOT label? Those with insider knowledge said adidas. CLOT worked on a few adidas Superstars throughout the 2010s, but a permanent move to the German sportswear behemoth seemed strange given how involved Chen had been with Nike, Brand Jordan, and Converse.
CLOT has one more Nike Sneaker before their contract is over and they will be collaborating with Adidas moving forward.
You heard it here first.
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Today, however, the Three Stripes confirmed the multi-hyphenate is part of its extended family via its “Originals” campaign, a multi-media project that’s also highlighted the likes of Jude Bellingham, HoYeon Jung, and Pusha T.
Inaugural CLOT x adidas Originals product has been shown during Shanghai Fashion Week SS24. The first batch of footwear from Chen’s new collaborator includes a special link-up with NEIGHBORHOOD, which debuts on Saturday, October 14th, at select JUICE retail locations worldwide, at the CLOT20 Retrospective Exhibition Pop-up in C·PARK Haisu, Shanghai, and via juicestore.com.
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- Photo of CLOT x NEIGHBORHOOD adidas Superstar courtesy of CLOT
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- Photo via Complex Sneakers
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- Photo via Complex Sneakers
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- Photo of CLOT x NEIGHBORHOOD adidas Superstar courtesy of CLOT
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- Photo of CLOT x NEIGHBORHOOD adidas Superstar courtesy of CLOT
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- Photo of CLOT x NEIGHBORHOOD adidas Superstar courtesy of CLOT
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- Photo of CLOT x NEIGHBORHOOD adidas Superstar courtesy of CLOT
The range takes on a much more “mature” aesthetic than some of Chen’s previous work. Muted cream, white, and black tones cover classics like the adidas Gazelle. As is customary for the CLOT frontman, the low-top styles are replete with modifications inspired by Chen’s Eastern roots. On the subject of his new partnership, Chen shared the following via the JUICE Store Blog:
With adidas, we’re creating to inspire. I think the ability to freely create something is one of the reasons why I do this. My whole aesthetic, especially in the past few years, has fully transformed. I haven’t had the chance to create through that lens yet, which is why this collaboration is exciting and nerve-wracking for me because we’re heading in that direction through this partnership. I’m coming in with a new inspiration. I spent the summer in Europe immersing myself in the adidas brand, which gave me a new point of view. The new EDC vibe is more chic than street. After the 20th year, I’m more excited than ever.
For more sneaker news, check out the Bad Bunny x adidas partnership.
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- Invitation to Kazuki x CLOT Launch At Ubiq, 2012
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- Kazuki x CLOT x adidas Superstar 80s, 2012
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- Kazuki x CLOT x adidas Superstar 80s, 2012
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- Photo of the CLOT x adidas Superstar 80s 84-Lab “Camo” by Sneaker Politics, 2015
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- Photo of the CLOT x adidas Superstar 80s 84-Lab “Camo” by Sneaker Politics, 2015
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- Photo of the CLOT x adidas Superstar 80s 84-Lab “Camo” by Sneaker Politics, 2015
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- Photo via adidas Originals
