The Wales Bonner x adidas Story So Far
The ongoing collaboration between visionary designer Grace Wales Bonner and sportswear giant adidas Originals, which began in 2020, has become a defining force in contemporary fashion, most notably through the reimagining of the classic adidas Samba silhouette. Her versions of the Samba played a significant role in the silhouette’s modern resurgence, even though her initial foray into the adidas partnership saw her reinterpreting other iconic models like the SL72 and the Gazelle. All of this creative momentum culminates in the recently released Spring/Summer 2025 (SS25) collection.
The SS25 collection marks a pivotal evolution in the Wales Bonner x adidas narrative. Drawing inspiration from the kinetic energy of port towns and seaside life, the campaign—featuring Brazilian footballer Raphinha—captures a breezy openness and soulful movement
A standout in this collection is the debut of the Superstar Hi, a fresh take on the classic shell-toe silhouette. This high-top iteration features deconstructed suede uppers, perforated three-stripe detailing, and faux-aged “Wonder White” accents, available in “Mist Stone” grey and “Wheat Brown” colorways . This design not only elevates the traditional Superstar but also introduces a boot-like aesthetic that bridges streetwear and high fashion .
SS25 also sees the introduction of the Karintha, Wales Bonner’s first completely original trainer design. Named after a character in Jean Toomer’s “Cane,” the Karintha merges elements from classic adidas designs with Bonner’s mainline aesthetics.
Her designs have not only revitalized interest in adidas classics but have also highlighted the rich tapestry of Black culture and heritage within the realm of sportswear.
