adidas and Riko Takahashi collaborate on a grand scale. What is the thought that the creator has put into the items?

With the concept of "Impossible Is Nothing," the company has made many impossible things possible.adidasis an artist who creates innovative graphics using only a limited motif of circles and straight lines.Riko TakahashiWe have teamed up with Mr.

Both have always been breaking down stereotypes with their flexible ideas, and now they have released the "HIROKO TAKAHASHI COLLECTION," a large-scale capsule collection consisting of 89 items in total.

This collection is a full line of clothing, shoes, and accessories. Among the vast lineup, the most eye-catching items are those based on traditional Japanese kimono motifs, such as happi coats and yukata kimonos.

When we asked Ms. Takahashi why she chose to produce an item so uncharacteristic of adidas for this collaboration, she responded with a strong desire to "pass on the traditional light to future generations.

Takahashi proposes a new way of wearing kimono through the global sports brand "adidas" and his creative graphics. Frankly speaking, this combination seemed fresh to me.

adidas: For some time now, adidas has been developing collaborative collections focusing on the cultures that have taken root in six major cities. As part of this effort, we approached Mr. Takahashi, who is involved in creative activities centered on the kimono, a uniquely Japanese item.

So, you were chosen to represent Tokyo, Mr. Takahashi?

adidas: Yes, that's right. Mr. Takahashi's design philosophy of "expanding infinite possibilities from limited elements" (circles and straight lines) is linked to our message of "Impossible Is Nothing. We were also inspired by his design philosophy, which links to our message "Impossible Is Nothing. It was around the end of 2018 that we made the offer.

Two and a half years have passed since then. Why did you spend so much time on this project?

Takahashi: The number of product numbers has grown to 89, and the materials and manufacturing methods are different for each item. In addition, the designer in charge of each item was different, so we could not just hand over the graphics and call it done.

adidas: Among adidas' collaborative collections, it is rare to see such a wide range of part numbers. That's how much the designers in charge of each item shared Mr. Takahashi's creativity.

I was surprised to hear that the world view of the items is so unified.

Takahashi: That's the highest compliment (laughs). I wanted more people to wear the adidas brand, so I did not want my graphics to erase its uniqueness. I was conscious of striking the best balance between the two, bringing out each other's individuality and harmonizing them.

M HTC HAPPI jacket $8,789

W HTC YUKATA jacket ¥8,789

Happi coats and yukata kimonos were particularly impressive. I thought they were items in an untapped genre that had not been part of the adidas image up to now.

Takahashi: The kimonos I usually handle are made with straight cuts that do not waste fabric. Since adidas shared my interest in such streamlined manufacturing, we decided to create items that incorporate the essence of kimono. However, all of the items are made from sportswear materials, so I hope that people will enjoy them freely as daily wear, breaking out of the "kimono" category.

adidas: With this in mind, we have named our products "happi jackets" and "yukata jackets.

K: There have been brands that have proposed kimonos as street wear in the past, but this collaboration is unique in adding a sports element to the kimono.

adidas: The concept movie also links the Happi Jacket and Yukata Jacket to daily life in Tokyo by showing young people enjoying skateboarding and basketball wearing items from the collection.

The free style of dressing that fuses Japanese and street fashion is also very Tokyo-like. Please tell us what you had in mind when you created this graphic.

Takahashi: The circle is a universal motif that can be found all over the world, and I think it also evokes images such as "human connections" and "circulation and regeneration. In this graphic design, we aimed to maximize the power of the circle while making it accessible to everyone, regardless of generation, nationality, or gender.

I see. By the way, will the mannequin of Mr. Takahashi standing in the Nioi pose be displayed here (adidas Brand Center Shibuya)?

Takahashi'sInstagramFrom.

Takahashi: That mannequin is actually my life-size (laughs). (laughs). It was developed from a photo work of me in a kimono, standing in a nioi pose. By posing in a masculine manner while wearing a woman's kimono, I am showing my own stance in confronting various prejudices and stereotypes in the world, including gender. This time, I am traveling to the adidas flagship store.

adidas: We decorated the Originals Flagship Store Harajuku and Shinjuku stores.

Takahashi: You can see 10 of me clad in this collection (laughs).

I see that is the meaning behind it. Then, what does the kimono mean to you?

Takahashi: I studied dressmaking in high school and came across the kimono while studying traditional dyeing and weaving in college, and I was attracted by the rational structure of the kimono, which allows the wearer to wear the whole material without wasting it, before considering it to be Japanese culture or tradition. I think the word "sustainable" can be used in this day and age, and it is a great honor for me to be able to present such uniquely Japanese items like the "Happi Jacket" and "Yukata Jacket," which inherit the philosophy of the kimono. I would be happy if people can relate to the background of the manufacturing process as well as the freedom of how to wear these items.

I thought that kimonos were an unfamiliar item for the younger generation. But through your work with an influential brand like adidas, it seems that a wide range of people will become familiar with kimonos.

Takahashi：As a result of Corona, coming-of-age and graduation ceremonies are disappearing, and the trend away from kimonos is becoming increasingly serious. In such a situation, I would be happy if this collaboration will help people remember the existence and value of kimono and the exuberant feeling of wearing it.