Kaf by Kaf x Adidas: Kawthar’s Game-Changing Collaboration

The behemoth sportswear brand has collaborated on a new collection blending modest dressing with its signature high-performance styles

As Saudi Arabia cements its place in the global fashion scene, the fusion of heritage and contemporary design has never been more relevant. At the forefront of this evolution is Kawthar, the creative force behind Kaf by Kaf, known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Now, she embarks on a ground-breaking partnership with Adidas—one that redefines Saudi sports culture through fashion.

With a collection that seamlessly merges streetwear with performance wear, Kawthar brings a fresh perspective to athletic apparel. In this exclusive conversation, she shares the inspiration behind the collaboration, the influence of Saudi football, and the challenges and triumphs of working with a global powerhouse.

A Dream Collaboration

For Kawthar, partnering with Adidas was a milestone she had long envisioned. “Since I started Kaf by Kaf, I always wanted to collaborate on sportswear, but I never had a specific brand in mind,” she recalls. “Sportswear felt like a blank canvas—an opportunity to experiment with new ideas and storytelling. When Adidas reached out, I honestly thought it was too good to be true. I was excited but also nervous, wondering if my vision might be too bold for them. But everything aligned perfectly in the end.” With Adidas backing her creativity, Kawthar saw an opportunity to push boundaries while staying true to her brand’s DNA.

A Tribute to Saudi Football Culture

At the heart of the collection lies a deeply personal and cultural narrative. “The collection has a strong philosophical perspective,” Kawthar explains. “It explores the history of sports in Saudi Arabia—particularly soccer, which was the heart of our athletic culture long before other sports gained popularity. This collection tells multiple stories within a single cohesive narrative.”

Growing up in Riyadh, she saw first hand how soccer shaped the everyday lives of Saudis. “Even young girls wore soccer jerseys. We weren’t necessarily a sports-driven culture at the time, but we were active. Some girls played soccer with their brothers and neighbours. Over the years, I’ve watched how the game evolved, how players rose to prominence, and how, by 2025, Saudi Arabia became a key global hub for the sport. That history plays a crucial role in this collection.”

Blending Craftsmanship with Sportswear

On the runway, Kaf by Kaf’s signature craftsmanship was unmistakable. The collection featured a fusion of adidas’ performance-driven aesthetic with intricate weaving and structured lines—hallmarks of Kawthar’s design language. “Adidas gave me a lot of creative freedom. Of course, there were guidelines, but they didn’t restrict my vision,” she says. “The challenge was to balance adidas’ identity with Kaf by Kaf’s DNA. If you noticed, the weaving and structured lines in the collection were where both brands connected seamlessly.” The weaving wasn’t originally part of the plan—it evolved naturally during the design process.

“Adidas is known for its three stripes, while Kaf by Kaf has a strong design language of vertical and horizontal lines. That became our foundation,” she explains. “The ‘aha’ moment came when I realized that the weaving could serve as a bridge between both brands, giving the collection a unique identity.”

A Milestone for Regional Designers

As global brands increasingly seek collaborations with regional designers, Kawthar sees this as a turning point. “International brands want designers who bring something unique to the table—not just heritage, but strong storytelling,” she says. “Saudi Arabia has 35 million people, each with different histories and perspectives. How you tell your story makes all the difference.” Seeing her designs on Adidas racks in Saudi stores is a surreal moment. “I can’t wait! Even my friends are excited to go buy the collection. It’s a dream come true.”

“Nothing Is Impossible”—Advice for Emerging Designers

As a Saudi designer breaking barriers, Kawthar hopes her journey inspires the next generation. “When global brands collaborate with local designers, it proves that nothing is impossible. If you have what it takes, opportunities will come,” she says. “My advice? Have a vision and tell your own story. Even if it’s not fully clear to you yet, your unique perspective will shape your work. That’s what makes all the difference.”

With this milestone collaboration, Kawthar not only redefines Saudi sports culture through fashion but also paves the way for a future where Saudi design is recognized on the world stage.

Imagery Supplied.