adidas Originals Football Fashion takes center stage at Paris Fashion Week SS26, proving once again how the beautiful game fuels creative expression beyond the pitch.
A Year Defined by Football
adidas Originals has long celebrated football as more than a sport — it’s a global language of movement, identity, and self-expression. At Paris Fashion Week Men’s SS26, the brand took that celebration to new heights, bridging its iconic football heritage with future-forward design and fashion credibility. From archive exhibitions to exclusive silhouettes and unforgettable shows, football culture became the week’s ultimate muse.
The Past: Archival Icons Reimagined
To highlight its legacy, adidas Originals organized a unique archival exhibition in Paris. The items were flown in directly from the brand’s headquarters in Germany. Guests had the opportunity to participate in private tours led by adidas historian Sandra Trapp. During these tours, they explored iconic artifacts while wearing the distinctive white gloves used for handling archive materials. This careful access allowed for an intimate experience with the brand’s rich history.
Two legendary FIFA World Cup™ balls stand out: the 1994 Questra and the 2006 Teamgeist. Each ball represents a pivotal moment in football’s cultural crossover in America and Germany. Additionally, the showcase featured rare silhouettes that have defined adidas design over the decades. These included the iconic 1954 Argentinian Boot and modern innovations like the F50 adiZero TRX SG Chameleon from 2010. The original a3 Megaride, released in 2004, was also on display, showcasing the evolution of football footwear.
The Future: Introducing the F50 MEGARIDE
The centerpiece of the SS26 preview was the F50 MEGARIDE, a bold fusion of football and running design. Combining the speed aesthetic of the F50+ XTRX FG boot with the chunky tooling of the a3 MEGARIDE, the new silhouette is built for the street but speaks fluent sport.
The future of football fashion has been envisioned by a diverse group of adidas collaborators. This roster includes notable designers such as Willy Chavarria, Grace Wales Bonner, and Yohji Yamamoto (Y-3). Additionally, brands like Brain Dead and Avavav are also part of this creative ensemble. Each collaborator contributes their unique perspective, pushing the game’s cultural narrative forward. Together, they are reimagining football fashion in exciting new ways.
The Present: Immersive Culture and Sound
adidas Originals created an immersive sensory experience in Paris. The event featured a sonic installation curated by Jah Jah. This installation included a sculpture inspired by steel bleachers, equipped with 150 vinyl records and 34 speakers. As a result, it generated an atmosphere that captured the energy of a stadium and the rhythm of community. Attendees such as Paloma Elsesser, Lancey Foux, and Myles Lewis–Skelly enjoyed product sampling. They also savored coffee from Emma Chamberlain’s Chamberlain Coffee. Additionally, they tasted plant-based dishes from Jah Jah’s Caribbean kitchen, enhancing the overall experience.
Creative Collabs Take the Spotlight
On June 25, Grace Wales Bonner debuted a new adidas Y-3 field shoe. The shoe, available in copper and brown, features mismatched Three Stripes and retro design elements. Two days later, Willy Chavarria showcased his striking SS26 collection titled “HURON”. This collection presented oversized silhouettes and introduced new versions of the Megaride XL and Megaride AG models. The event concluded with a lively cocktail hour and an afterparty. Honey Dijon provided the music, and the gathering drew several notable figures, including James Harden, Becky G, Gigi Goode, and others.
To conclude the week, Y-3 unveiled its interpretation of the Megaride. This was done through an experimental dance performance that showcased the design’s fluid motion and sculptural lines. The performance served as a high-fashion homage to the dynamic essence of the game. Overall, it successfully highlighted the innovation and artistry behind the design.
Looking Forward: adidas Originals Football Fashion Impact
With a commanding presence at Paris Fashion Week, adidas Originals once again reasserted its place at the crossroads of sport, fashion, and culture. From honoring its football archive to launching era-defining silhouettes and inviting the city to join in the celebration, the brand proved that football isn’t just a game — it’s the future of fashion.
Follow Sneakerize.gr On Instagram
Like Sneakerize.gr On Facebook
Follow Sneakerize.gr On Twitter
