The adidas x Gucci collaboration is serving effortless nostalgia

“It’s a range that delivers on punch and fun; it’s the antidote to a dreary winter ahead.”

I preach from the rooftops my steadfast belief that our wardrobe is the keeper of so much power. What we choose to wear each day has more influence than we may know. And lately, I’ve been fixated on the power of colour: dopamine dressing is real, and it’s here to stay.

When I lack the inspiration to try something new, I usually turn to the past. Aesthetics from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s speak to me in myriad ways and help spark my imagination.

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Arguably, Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele has reached into similar mental and visual compartments for the new adidas x Gucci collaboration. Citing memories from his formative years and an archival 1979 adidas catalogue as inspiration, the resulting collection is rife with bold tones and iconic sporting silhouettes. It’s a range that delivers on punch and fun; it’s the antidote to a dreary winter ahead. 

Throughout the range, the influence of each iconic brand legacy is evident. While refined adidas sportswear designs receive the Gucci-fied rainbow treatment, the individually distinctive logos have melded to form something new. adidas’ Trefoil and three stripes (first used in 1972) combine with Gucci’s signature interlocking G and monogrammed canvas. 

As a self-confessed ‘shoe person’, the collaboration doesn’t disappoint. The pairs are awash with the lollipop allure of the iconic Gazelle update – the signature sneaker style released in 1968, originally as indoor soccer shoes. 

Across both the mens’ and womens’ offerings, the revival sees the much-loved streamlined shape with three stripes on each side refreshed in colour and texture. The adidas Trefoil-meets-Gucci logo sits grandly on the heel tag. A striking velvet pink upper with green and black details transforms one pair, among other kaleidoscopic delights.

Paired with emblematic knee-high socks and cut-offs or jeans, these sporty shoes are the sparks that are set to ignite your wardrobe passion once again. Elsewhere in the collection, vibrant jogging pants and a matching cropped jacket, baseball caps, logo shorts and duffel bags (plus so much more) are a retro feast for the eyes and the body. Sporty chic meets the refinement of modern streetwear; I want nothing more than to embody it. 

Lift your spirit from the toes up, or head-to-toe. The secret to getting through winter and fending off the green-eyed monster might just be a good vitamin D lamp, a breath of fresh air and, of course, a healthy dose of colour. I’m no expert, but I’m definitely on to something. See, it’s possible to be carefree without gallivanting across Europe, after all.