Wales Bonner X Adidas Tease Their Newest Collaboration

If there’s one thing the streetwear and high fashion community have in common, it’s their unrelenting love for a great sportswear link-up. Once again, Wales Bonner has delivered just that. Although a release date hasn’t yet been confirmed, the first glances of their upcoming FW23 collection are enough to get us kicking our Samba-clad feet in anticipation. 

An initial look into the tie-up promises two pairs of the ‘70s-inspired SL27s, as well as a redesigned Samba, a style which has proved itself a favourite with Bonner’s loyal following. One of the two colour combos for the SL72 Knit trainers is a rich brown with orange accenting, and the second is an emerald green with yellow and black features. But the real star of the show has to be the Samba. Crafted from leather, the sneaker is covered in a reflective gunmetal finish and finished with an oversized tongue, reminiscent of retro footie boots. Predictions in fashion for a trend in silver surfaced at the start of this year, and our guess is that this shoe is going to be at the forefront. 

Bonner’s first collaborative collection with the sportswear label came with her FW20 show, which comprised a trio of hybrid tracksuits and, what would go on to shape their fruitful working relationship, three pairs of reimagined classic Adidas trainers. The result was a retro-inspired collection that fused elegant sportswear aesthetics with the idea of a ‘70s subculture through the eyes of Caribbean youth in Britain. It featured crochet accents, velvet details, and antique leather overlays on the SL72 and Samba silhouettes.

Adidas’s old-school designs have had their run of the footwear circles for a while – with Samba the shining star for the last few years. Collaboration with Jonah Hill, Jason Dill and, notably, Wales Bonner, as well as sightings on celebrities including ASAP Rocky and Bella Hadid, have rocket-launched the Sambas back to being one of the most popular sneaker silhouettes. And with its over 80-year history and well-earned cult status, the shoe isn’t going anywhere anytime fast. As well as its firm position in the classic British uniform, having been adopted by the Casuals in the late ‘70s, it has been adopted once again by those with the recently-resurfaced ‘blokette’ style. That’s what makes Wales Bonner’s input so important – she’s merging her own subcultural values and interest with the rich history of the iconic sneaker.  

The Wales Bonner X Adidas release date is yet to be confirmed, but keep watch for news to follow.