The ’80s have given us so much — great hair, “The Empire Strikes Back,” jazzercise. And it seems as though the decade isn’t done endowing its gift upon the world; nay, it’s serving serious afflatus courtesy of Adidas x Gucci’s rocking retro collaboration.
First debuted earlier this year in Milan, the German and Italian collision is a welcome, if not totally unexpected, spectacle. Full of poppy pastels and delightful silhouettes, the ready-to-wear collection embraces sporty fun and summer festivity as its core tenants, with nods to staples and statements of decades past — the tracksuit, the trainer, some disco-ready trousers — splattered in instantly recognizable, intertwined double G and Trefoil iconography.
The collection, spearheaded by creative director Alessandro Michele, is a prime example of how collaboration can maneuver away from the stale, cash-grabby practice it’s slipped into in recent years. By combining archival inspiration with modern design and future-conscious material fabrications (polyester, cotton and viscose, to name a few), every look feels exciting and fresh.
And the best part? You’ll want to wear all of it. A mishmash of “Talented Mr. Ripley” meets wavy workout class — otherwise known as the correct vibe for summer 2022 — there’s something in this collab for everyone; a charming gouache Gazelle remake, slouchy suiting fit for a seventies king, wooden clogs, and most importantly, tons of loud, co-branded apparel that wouldn’t feel out of place at the roller rink (or on the ‘Gram).
The Adidas x Gucci collection celebrates its release on June 7 in select Gucci stores, according to the brand’s website and the Adidas CONFIRMED app. Although prices are reportedly astronomical, if hype is any indication, the ’80s-inspired collection will surely sell out, meaning this is your only chance to snag some Adi-Gucci gear before a separate Adidas x Gucci campaign drops later this year.
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