Each month this year, the adidas Consortium Sneaker Exchange challenges the idea of collaboration, asking partners overcome differences in geography, aesthetics or language to establish common ground and shared narratives. London’s Footpatrol and Hong Kong’s Juice bring the latest instalment to life. Together the stores rework two cult classic models resulting in ground-breaking executions upon which both parties leave their firm mark. Above all, with authenticity true to themselves and one another.
Both London and Hong Kong are thriving cities for city dwellers and seekers. With travel and tourism comes an economy for souvenirs and memorabilia. From Hong Kong’s sprawling street-level market stalls to the traders who operate just along the street from Footpatrol’s Soho store, a shared appreciation for this form of trade and commerce served as the reference point for this release.
The Matchcourt Mid and the Handball Top are richly detailed with embroidered artwork – the first, bold and striking on the upper, the second, hidden and subtler on the lining. This execution highlights the partners' mutual respect for craftsmanship and meticulous detailing which is involved in the creation of classic souvenir jackets. Often, these feature elaborately stitched designs of mystical or heraldic animals – dragons, lions– alongside references of the country or city of their origin.
While more seasoned sneaker aficionados will recognise them as icons from the adidas archive, this Sneaker Exchange release serves as a befitting moment to introduce both models to the younger sneaker crowd as well.
The Matchcourt Mid is a former basketball shoe embraced by the global skateboard community. Its traditional canvas upper is embellished with boldly coloured dragons and further embroidery. The Handball Top has enjoyed a similar route from indoor sports to street icon and as the more low-key of the duo, it is delivered with a blue suede upper and a gold-embroidered lining.
The Juice & Footpatrol Sneaker Exchange pack arrives with an extensive collection of bespoke souvenir merchandise: lighters, ashtrays, umbrellas, half-half scarves, plates, posters, postcards and more, all detailed with the names of the two partners.
The size and scale of this truly special collaboration proves that once the partners find common ground, creativity can really run wild.
RELEASE 04.11.17 ONLINE AT 00:01am GMT+1 | IN-STORE 10:30am
adidas Consortium Matchcourt Mid 160,00 Euro
adidas Consortium Handball Top 160,00 Euro
