ADIDAS ORIGINALS X RUN DMC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA8DsUN6g_k
The Run DMC relationship with Adidas is remarkable. The Queens trio single-handedly resurrected the Adidas Superstar (worn with no laces and the tongue pulled out) and made it synonymous with hip-hop, an unlikely new niche home for the German sportswear giant. After their track ‘My Adidas’ in 1986, the group scored a deal with Adidas, worth a staggering $1.6 million. Their relationship between the two parties has continued ever since – with apparel, footwear and everything in between. In 2014, the Adidas Superstar is still an on-foot favourite for most with reinventions from the likes of Nigo.
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OBEY X SHEPARD FAIREY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcSBr4ZKmrQ
While Obey as a clothing brand only started in 2001, its imagery had found a home on countless walls across the globe as part of Shepard Fairey’s sticker and guerilla art campaign. It’s this primal form of rebellion that bleeds into Obey, another vehicle for Fairey to spread his messages – some of which have even found him campaigning for Barack Obama. With its DIY aesthetic, political snarl and playful pop culture jabs, Obey often embodies all the qualities that streetwear itself was founded on. Their bar logo is a understated classic, and omnipresent in youth culture.
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NIKE X KANYE WEST
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITw3neGgZDo
Kanye West’s influence on streetwear and sportswear has been nothing short of gargantuan. His Watch The Throne era spawned a legion of copycats focused on both opulence and darkness: streetwear began to blend more heavily with high fashion, and brands like Givenchy, Balenciaga and Rick Owens found a younger demographic. When his collaborations with Nike arrived, the hype was overwhelming. Both the Air Yeezy & Air Yeezy II now resell for thousands online, and are among the most coveted footwear items in the world. But it’s not just what he creates, it’ what he wears: The Air Max 90 ‘Independence Day’ became hot property after Yeezy donned them on multiple occasions.
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STUSSY X SHAWN STUSSY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4fjyfhYs14
With humble beginnings in crafting surfboards with their scrawled logo, Shawn Stussy eventually saw his brand flourish to become what many consider to be the very first streetwear brand. As a result, it’s also been tipped as the greatest streetwear brand of all time – including by Bobby Hundreds in his ever-controversial list back in 2011. Still, none can deny their global empire and influence, with paws firmly planted in street, surf and skate cultures. While the legendary Shawn Stussy has moved onto other projects, it’s his vision and ties to surf culture that have stood paramound throughout the Stussy story.
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VANS X PAUL VAN DOREN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_-ViZ9iPNE
It’s hard to meet someone that doesn’t own a pair of Vans Era or Vans Authentic sneaker – it’s one of the best minimal sneakers that we can think of, effortlessly versatile and a welcome addition to any wardrobe. Started by brothers Paul & James Van Doren as well as other partners back in 1966, to say that Vans have had a roller-coaster of a career would be an understatement. Still, today the company is still a family affair: Steve Van Doren, the son of Paul, is still with the company. The canvas sneaker and waffle sole is still an affordable classic, while the checkerboard slip-ons are currently undergoing a resurgence.
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