Dingyun Zhang Helps Create the All-New adidas Kouza Silhouette

Published October 10, 2024

Graduating from Central Saint Martins, one of the world's most prestigious design and art colleges, Dingyun Zhang has made strides in the fashion industry. In only his sophomore year of college, Ye (FKA Kanye West) flew Zhang out to Calabasas and hired the burgeoning designer on the spot. His work with Yeezy covers some of the brand's most popular and head-turning silhouettes, from the 700 Wave Runner to the Foam RNNR and NSLTD BT.

Outside of his ventures in the fashion world and collaborations on apparel, Zhang has worked with adidas to launch a redesigned version of the Samba earlier this year and is launching two new colorways in October. Alongside these two Sambas, Zhang and adidas collaborated to work on a new silhouette dubbed the Kouza.

Inspiration for the design of the adidas Kouza comes from the adidas Beijing 2008 Boxing Boot, with the model's name coming from an East Asian plant that changes throughout the seasons. Lightweight mesh is present on the toe, midfoot, collar, and tongue, while organically shaped TPU wraps around the midfoot and on the heel. All of the seams on the upper come taped, which, alongside the exaggerated heel guard, subtly nods to the motifs throughout all of Zhang’s work and creates a duality between the mesh upper and rubber casing. The model will launch in three colorways for its debut: Black, Clear Granite Almost Lime, and Ash Silver Green Earth.

The Dingyun Zhang x adidas Kouza Collection will launch on October 18, 2024, through adidas Confirmed and select retailers online and in-store. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is set at $350. 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