Adimatic" sneakers as a culture that transcends generations. | feature

Adimatic" sneakers as a culture that speaks across generations.

Sneakers have always evolved as a culture. What was originally created for the purpose of sports has been accepted as a fashion item and has continued to grow while involving music and art. In the sneaker market, the first reissue of the "Adimatic," originally released in 1996, is expected to be a major topic in 2022. We gathered people who know the "Adimatic" in real life, people who admired it, and people who saw it for the first time, and had a trilogy talk about sneakers. With "Adimatic" as the keyword, we will explore the role of sneakers as a part of culture.

Photo_ Erina Takahashi

Edit_Hiroshi Yamamoto

PROFILE

(Left) MICHELLE

Born in Kyoto, Japan, he left "BEAMS" in 2018 to become the director of "Bronsch Market," a mobile vintage store he started with a friend. In 2021, she launched her own business, "Bebe," and is currently running a vintage store where she enjoys fashion while dealing with environmental and social issues. Her nickname "Michelle" comes from her resemblance to the twin babies in the American TV drama "Full House.
Instagram:@michellevitamin

PROFILE

(center) Yoshifumi "YOPPI" Egawa

Yoshifumi Egawa, aka "YOPPI," is known as a fashion icon and a key figure in the foundation of the Japanese skate scene. After working as a professional skater, model, and actor for Hectic, he is now the director of the fashion brand Ombre Nino and designer of Extra Large.
Instagram:@yoshifumiegawa

PROFILE

(Right) Naoki "SAND" Yamamoto

Born in 1979 and currently resides in Tokyo. Works as a freelance designer based on graphic design. He enjoys expressing himself in any place and any method, including product and apparel design and store windows. In addition to the graphic label "SAYHELLO," he also participates in the painting group "81 BASTARDS" as a painter. He cuts out everything with a pop from his unique point of view.
Instagram:@sandnaoki

Q: First of all, before we talk about "adimatic," what is your impression of "adidas Originals" these days?

Michel:In my mind, "adidas Originals" has a strong image of many classic models. Moreover, all of them have been loved throughout the ages.

Egawa:That's right. There are many universal models, such as "Rod Laver," "Stan Smith," and "Superstar. That's why I regularly find myself wanting a pair of "adidas Originals" sneakers at certain times. I also secretly enjoy how I choose them, since the wooden pattern changes slightly depending on the age of the model. Also, if I see JAY-Z wearing them, I want that model.

Yamamoto:In the 1990s, there was a certain group of skaters who dared to choose "adidas" instead of so-called "skate shoe" brands. This is exactly the case with "Campus. They wear Adidas shoes not because they are part of a team or because they are supported by the brand, but because they like the brand. In the skate scene, I have the impression that there were many core fans who were maniacs in the good sense of the word. Moreover, many skaters who wear "adidas" are stylish. I think that history has been passed down from generation to generation, and that's how adidas Originals came to be what it is today.