Innovating Tradition: Craig Green x Adidas Originals

A Meeting of Minds

In 2020, British designer Craig Green and Adidas Originals deepened their partnership with a second collaborative collection that officially launched on November 7th. This season marked a continuation of their shared values: ingenuity, function, innovation, and utility. The collection’s debut pieces first appeared on the autumn/winter 2020 runway show in Paris, signalling a seamless fusion of high-fashion concepts with sportswear heritage.

CG SUPERSTAR: Quilted Reinvention

Craig Green’s reinterpretation of the iconic Adidas Superstar centres on his signature quilting technique. Line stitching carves out the classic toe box and extends up the tongue, while intensified stitching on the three stripes adds visual contrast. Available in off-white/red and utility black/green, the CG SUPERSTAR balances lightweight functionality with artisanal craftsmanship, breathing new life into a cultural staple.

CG KONTUUR III: Anatomy Meets Footwear

For the CG KONTUUR III, Green reimagines the renowned Adidas Mundial football boot through line-stitch quilting that mimics muscle formations of the human foot. This ergonomic approach underscores his fascination with anatomy, rendering the padded leather upper both sculptural and functional. Offered in black and legend earth colourways, the Kontuur III bridges technical performance with avant-garde aesthetics.

CG POLTA AKH III: Crisp Monochrome Layering

The third silhouette, CG POLTA AKH III, refines earlier iterations with a monochromatic palette. A transparent overlay sits atop a printed lining, all paired with the Adidas Rivalry sole for a sleek profile. Available in grey and white, this model exemplifies the collection’s focus on purposeful design, where minimalist colour blocking meets structural innovation.

Expanding the Series: Kontuur IV Exclusive Drops

Buildicolourways, Collegiate Kontuur III, adidas and Craig Green unveiled the Kontuur IV exclusively through Dover Street Market on November 11, 2020. The release featured three new colourways, Collegiate Red, Trace, and Collegiate Blue, each deploying leather, synthetic, and suede textures with bold embroidered embellishments. While retaining the signature tongue and outsole, the Kontuur IV emphasises heavy stitch lines and omits an external heel overlay for a fresh silhouette evolution.

Visual Storytelling

Dan Tobin Smith, Green’s long-term collaborator, captured the campaign imagery by deconstructing each silhouette into anatomical sculptures, resembling small creatures in motion. These striking visuals echo the collection’s exploration of form, function, and the boundaries of design possibility.

Key Inspirations Behind the 2020 Craig Green x adidas Originals Collaboration

Shared Values: Ingenuity, Function, Innovation, and Utility

At the heart of the 2020 partnership lies a convergence of both brands’ core philosophies. Craig Green and Adidas Originals centred the collection on ingenuity, function, innovation, and utility, exploring how each silhouette could be pushed beyond its original form while retaining performance-driven purpose.

Anatomical Exploration and Ergonomics

Green’s fascination with the human body informed much of the design language. He applied line-stitch quilting to mimic muscle formations on the CG KONTUUR III’s padded upper and extended similar stitching across the CG SUPERSTAR to evoke the foot’s natural structure, creating a sculptural, ergonomic feel throughout the range.

Emotional and Cultural Heritage

Craig Green tapped into the deeply personal and cultural resonance of Adidas. He’s long been drawn to how Adidas sneakers anchor memories of school, music scenes, and street culture. This emotional connection guided his reinterpretations, aiming to evoke that universal nostalgia while introducing fresh narratives.

Textile Innovation, Layering, and “Ghost” Prints

Textile experimentation formed a cornerstone of the collaboration. From his signature quilting techniques to translucent overlays on the CG POLTA AKH III, Green played with layering and “ghost” prints of archival Adidas styles. These overlapping silhouettes create visual depth and speak to his ongoing quest for new material techniques.

Reimagining Archival Silhouettes

Rather than invent new forms, Green chose to reinvent Adidas icons. The Superstar, Mundial football boot, Rivalry sole, and even the lesser-known Kamanda model were all revitalised through contrasting stitching, anatomical quilting, and monochromatic overlays, bridging Adidas heritage with avant-garde fashion sensibilities.

Looking ahead, the Craig Green x adidas Originals partnership underscores how technical heritage and conceptual design can intersect to redefine sportswear classics. As both brands continue to push creative boundaries, their 2020 collaboration stands as a testament to what happens when innovation meets tradition, resulting in silhouettes that not only perform but also provoke thought and spark imagination.