“We Gave the World an Original. You Gave Us a Thousand Back”: adidas Pays Homage to Bold Trailblazers From The Region – And Beyond
The iconic streetwear brand’s new campaign is a thank-you gift to the creative pioneers, near and far, who have reconceptualised it throughout the decades
In our collective imagination, the iconic Trefoil logo is primarily associated with the realm of sports. Considered good luck charms by the most accomplished athletes in the world, adidas Originals are omnipresent on basketball courts, football pitches, and even skate parks.
Simultaneously, it’s undeniable that adidas has become equally ubiquitous on a cultural level. Fifty years following its genesis, the Trefoil logo has become a symbol of avant-garde creativity in music, fashion, and art.
Donning adidas Originals across a multitude of creative industries, many trailblazing artists are responsible for the brand’s cultural metamorphosis. As a token of gratitude, adidas has launched a new global platform, with the title “We Gave the World an Original. You Gave Us a Thousand Back.” Through this campaign, the brand is honouring diverse cultural pioneers who are ushering in a new chapter for Trefoil via three of its most iconic kicks.
By spotlighting 17 regional artists or “originals” in their new global campaign, the streetwear brand vicariously tells the culturally transformative stories of its three hero sneakers: the Superstar, the Gazelle, and the Samba.
Which artists represent adidas’ new global platform?
The Gazelle: Noura Bin Saidan and Andria Tayeh
Initially, the iconic Gazelle sneaker was designed as a trainer. Today, this adidas Original is a standout piece in the world of art and fashion.
Noura Bin Saidan, the first Saudi female mural artist, and renowned actress Andria Tayeh perfectly embody the beauty and agility of the Gazelle sneaker. Each a creative pioneer in her respective industry, Noura and Andria symbolize the contemporary appeal of the Gazelle.
The Superstar: Twins Hadban
The iconic Superstar shoes were originally destined to be worn on basketball courts. Still, these adidas Originals were popularized within the highly creative hip hop and skating communities.
The Superstar silhouette is in perfect alignment with Twins Hadban’s journey. The pioneering Emirati influencers have indeed paved the way for content creators in the region, pushing their fellow creatives towards excellence.
The Samba: Ali Al Kalthami
This classic silhouette originally rose to stardom in the world of football. Since then, the Samba has transformed into a global trendsetter across multiple creative industries.
Accomplished Saudi filmmaker Ali Al Kalthami perfectly represents the story behind the majestic Samba, an adidas Original which has become “synonymous with subverting trends across the globe.”
Skilfully shot by Chndy, Cheb Moha, and Kais, the new adidas Originals global platform additionally features partners, collaborators, and friends of the brand who have contributed to the cultural expansion of the Trefoil. A few notable mentions are Amal Bin Haider, Asma ElBadawi, Junaynah, Waqar Abdelhameed, Misbah Chowdhury, Tarek Roumie, Sarah Al Hashmi, Khayal, Faithguy, Mohammed Bajbaa, Cascou, and Okasha.
Three sneakers, yet over a thousand originals. “We Gave the World an Original. You Gave Us a Thousand Back” expresses the iconic brand’s gratitude to cultural “originals” in their own right.
For more information, visit adidas.ae/en/originals
Images supplied