adidas has joined forces with Belgian streetwear label Arte Antwerp to launch their first-ever collaborative sneaker, the Lightblaze POD, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two brands.
The adidas x Arte collaboration reimagines contemporary sportswear through the lens of street culture and African diaspora influences. Rooted in Arte founder Bertony Da Silva’s Angolan heritage and European upbringing, the collection pays tribute to the untold stories and athletes of the diaspora whose contributions have shaped global sports culture. The partnership aims to honor these legacies while elevating adidas’ sportswear franchises with premium fabrics and accessible, well-designed pieces.
For the debut release, the new Lightblaze POD silhouette takes center stage. Earlier this month, a limited navy edition was gifted to adidas and Arte friends and family at a Paris pop-up. Now, the sneaker arrives in a clean all-white colorway, available exclusively on the CONFIRMED app. Fronting the campaign is Belgian former footballer and close friend of both brands, Mousa Dembélé.
Blending adidas’ performance expertise with Arte’s refined minimalism, the Lightblaze POD features textured layers inspired by Arte’s mainline collection, paired with adidas’ LIGHTSTRIKE foam cushioning and Arte’s signature metal branding for a premium finish.
Speaking about the collaboration, Arte Founder & Creative Director Bertony Da Silva said, “The adidas x Arte alliance will serve as the creative sportswear outlet for Arte, infusing our design philosophy into adidas’ rich heritage and performance credibility. But for us, this is more than another sportswear partnership; it’s a chance to slow things down in a fast-paced, trend-driven landscape and put substance back at the heart of design. We aim to redefine sportswear through refined, carefully designed pieces that balance craft, culture and performance. Our collections will not only democratize access to elevated design but also speak to the untold stories of European sports culture and the vital role of the African diaspora that has shaped it. Together, we aim to set a new standard for what sportswear can be: thoughtful, elevated and enduring, starting with the Lightblaze POD.”
Aimee Arana, Global SVP & GM adidas Sportswear & Training, added “We are so excited to introduce our collaboration with Arte to the world, and for this synergy to continue for seasons to come. The designs stay true to the ethos of both brands – a set of carefully designed, long-lasting products that do not adhere to trends, providing affordable investment pieces straddling the aesthetics of youth culture and sportswear in perfect harmony. Our sportswear category has always been driven by culture and built for the community it serves. The adidas x Arte range is no different – effortlessly building outfits for the everyday, with elevated detailing for consumers who live and breathe sport culture.”
The adidas x Arte Lightblaze POD is priced at $200 / €200 and available in sizes UK 3.5 to 13.5. The drop is activated through the CONFIRMED app’s wave mechanic, giving members of the adidas and Arte community access codes via key figures such as Bertony Da Silva, adidas athletes Rafael Leão and Nuno Mendes, and Korean musician Jay Park. Each recipient can then generate a code to share with two friends, expanding access to the launch.
More adidas x Arte releases are on the horizon, including a Z.N.E. tracksuit and a full apparel collection that celebrates the intersection of African heritage and European identity.
No comments:
Post a Comment