Avavav has launched its third collaboration with Adidas Originals, introducing a bold collection of footwear that blends athletic performance with artistic parody. Set to be available on November 14, 2023, the new lineup showcases innovative designs, highlighted by the striking 22-centimeter Luge Heel and reimagined Superstars.
The collaboration, spearheaded by creative director Beate Skonare Karlsson, pushes the boundaries of traditional sneaker design. The centerpiece of this release is the Modified Superstar, crafted from a single piece of vacuum-molded leather. This approach not only emphasizes the iconic Adidas Three Stripes but also reinterprets the brand’s heritage through a modern lens.
Karlsson’s vision aims to strip away nostalgia, presenting classic silhouettes in a fresh context. The two distinct colorways of the Modified Superstar prioritize materiality over logos, aligning with Avavav’s commitment to distortion and reinterpretation.
Innovative Designs and Sculptural Aesthetic
The collection further expands with the Moonrubber Megaride, which adopts a dramatically oversized silhouette. Its bubbled outsole, reflective accents, and reconfigured panels transform it into a high boot that serves as both footwear and a sculptural statement. This design philosophy highlights Avavav’s blend of functionality and visual art, creating pieces that challenge conventional expectations of sportswear.
The most audacious addition is the Luge Heel, inspired by Adidas’s aerodynamic luge shoes. This design features a towering spike that defies traditional performance logic, positioning itself as a surreal centerpiece rather than mere athletic equipment.
Accompanying this footwear launch is a visually striking campaign captured by Hungarian photographer Szilveszter Mako. The imagery features models posed against painted backdrops and reflective surfaces, emphasizing stillness over movement. This artistic direction shifts the focus from athleticism to playful expression, encapsulating what Karlsson describes as Adidas Originals “for everyone else.”
A Broader Impact on Fashion
While the shoes take center stage, the apparel collection maintains a similar ethos of proportion and contradiction. Trompe-l’œil track tops mimic painted fabric, puffers are exaggerated to cartoon-like dimensions, and accessories echo the shoes’ oversized geometry. A selection of distressed hoodies and shredded t-shirts explores themes of fragility, further enriching the narrative.
This third chapter in Avavav’s partnership with Adidas Originals solidifies their place among the brand’s most visually ambitious collaborators. By transforming Adidas icons into conceptual forms, Avavav continues to redefine the intersection of fashion and functionality.
The collection’s release reflects a growing trend in the fashion industry, where the lines between sport and art increasingly blur. As brands explore new interpretations of established designs, collaborations like this one highlight the potential for footwear to become a form of creative expression, rather than purely functional items.
