Chinese fashion designer Caroline Hu collaborates with German sportswear brand adidas to present a new collection for SS25. The collection will feature two classic models, the adidas SL 72 OG and the adidas Superstar, three different iterations of each for a total of six sneakers, all uniquely finished with the signature flair of Hu. This collection marks the second time the partnership has come together after launching a five-sneaker pack highlighting another classic adidas model, the Samba, in May 2024.
There is no doubt that adidas is acutely aware of the massive demand from China and large parts of Asia that desire something different from the traditional adidas styles. In particular, the boom of Yeezy was illustrious, and now adidas has purposely sought out influential designers to ensure the continued growth of The Brand With The Three Stripes in the region. Partnerships with Fefei Ruan and Dingyun Zhang are joined by substantial flagship collaborations like the current offerings from CLOT, and the future is bright for adidas. In this case, the collaboration between Caroline Hu and adidas represents her first major partnership with an athletic brand, marking a significant moment for her career and the brand's history of artist-driven designs. This partnership showcases Hu's talent for blending structure with fluidity, integrating her signature intricate details into functional yet stylish athletic pieces that join her "everyday wear" range, Reverie.
Arriving utilizing the same construction and material blend, the three pairs of Caroline Hu x adidas Superstar features Core White Core Black, Sandy Pink, and Core Black Core White colorways. The uppers consist of quilted patterns with a metallic sheen to the finished look that makes its way onto the iconic shelltoe. Dominating the aesthetic of all three pairs is the chunky and massively oversized padded nylon lace set, each matching the primary color. Embroidered Trefoil logos are apparent on the heels, with co-branding on the tongue and insoles, and this all sits atop rubber soles.
Again, Caroline Hu's adidas SL 72 OG's all arrive with the same construction, this time utilizing a base of fur, with shaggy suede overlays to the heel, lower midfoot, and toe area. The chunky and dominating lace sets, crafted from leather, extend and act as an overlay against the Three Stripes branding that runs along the midfoot. One pair arrives in a stealthy blacked-out palette, another pair in brown, wonder mauve, and ivory hues, and the final pair carry tones of grey one, off white, and charcoal. Each pair has a hit of patent leather at the heel that denotes a Trefoil logo, with dual branding apparent on the tongue and insoles. All feature cushioned EVA-foam midsoles, with rubber outsoles underfoot for extra traction and grip.
The Caroline Hu x adidas SS25 Collection W is set to release in Spring 2025 through adidas and select retailers in-store and online. Coming in women's sizing, retail is TBD. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via adidas
Caroline Hu x adidas SL 72 OG Brown (W)
Caroline Hu x adidas SL 72 OG Core Black (W)
Caroline Hu x adidas SL 72 OG Grey One (W)
Caroline Hu x adidas Superstar Sandy Pink (W)
Caroline Hu x adidas Superstar Core White Core Black (W)
Caroline Hu x adidas Superstar Core Black Cloud White (W)
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Craig Bell happily talks about sneakers or as he calls them "trainers" every day of the year. An avid Bradford City fan, he's also a big supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles. He will forever profess that Cricket is better than Baseball and that Rugby League is better then Rugby Union. Among his many hot takes, he believes the adidas ZX range is the pinnacle of sneaker design.
