Celebrating the brand’s history across sports, music and fashion, Adidas Originals this year honors those who have consistently brought the iconic mark – the Trefoil – to the forefront of culture with a new global brand platform. The focus is on three films shot by three creative pioneers and a selection of photographs arranged in triptychs, each featuring three timeless “characters” from the historic Three Stripes archive – the Superstar, the Gazelle and the Samba. Each film and series of images focuses on a different silhouette. In this way, the story of the Trefoil is interwoven with the way these iconic styles, born in sports, have been embraced, reinterpreted and incorporated into culture - over and over again.
Superstar
Acclaimed director and founder of LoveSong’s production studio, Daniel Wolfe, lends his creative eye to the Superstar and acts as a mentor to the other up-and-coming directors in the series. Built for basketball but adopted by hip-hop, the classic leather Superstar changed the game from the moment he stepped off the court and is now a ubiquitous icon thanks to his quality construction and timeless silhouette. Wolfe’s film traces the journey from on-field icon to cultural powerhouse, including an appearance by famed hip-hop group Run DMC, who shook the world wearing the Shell Toe.
Gazelle
Although the Gazelle began as a sneaker, its lightweight, classic suede upper and rubber sole have become emblematic of those willing to stray from the path in search of innovation. Self-taught filmmaker Will Dohrn tells the story of the iconic silhouette through the lens of a young protagonist who moves through the ages – dressed in archival Adidas apparel, true to the timeline – and meets pro skate duo Mike Arnold and Miles Silvas.
Samba
Rounding out the trio is the Samba. The shoe first made headlines in soccer and has since become synonymous with upending trends around the world with its low-profile silhouette and rubber sole. Acclaimed visual artist Justyna Obasi captures the mythical story of the samba’s travels through time and space, beginning with the fluid footwork of young soccer players and ending in the many cultural scenes that have embraced the shoe.
Each film is accompanied by a series of triptych still shots captured by Chadwick Tyler. Some sets feature partners, collaborators and friends of the brand who have helped tell the story of the Trefoil around the world, including Zinedine Zidane, Jenna Ortega, Pusha T, Anitta, HoYeon Jung, David Beckham, Jennie Kim and Stormzy.
