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One of the world’s most iconic athletic footwear and apparel brands is back with bold and uplifting designs to support the LGBTQ community with the new adidas Pride collection. This year, they partnered with queer artist Kris Andrew Small to not only give visibility to current voices in the community, but also to celebrate those who have moved society forward in the past.
The adidas x Kris Andrew Small Pride collection was inspired by the Stonewall militant uprising of 1969, with the urban style capsule decorated with the simple message ‘Love Unites’. The capsule includes a variety of graphic tees, dresses, hats, and jackets, as well as Forum, Superstar, and Stan Smith sneakers (in case you’re looking for some extra runway support this year).
adidas
Sydney-based Small is not only known for his joyful style of artistic expression, but also uses his art to channel societal issues such as raising awareness for the LGBTQ community and encouraging acceptance. “Conceptually, I really wanted this collection to celebrate all the amazing sides of being queer and celebrate how far we’ve come as a community,” Small said. “But also to remind people that there are still so many people in the community who are vulnerable and repressed.”
In addition to the Pride collection, adidas also continued its partnerships this year with two influential community supporting organisations, Athlete Ally and Stonewall UK. Athlete Ally focuses on ending homophobia and transphobia in sport, while Stonewall UK has worked to transform the lives of many in the LGBTQ community over the past 30 years.
The collection itself is inspired by the pop art and graphic design of the 70s and 80s, an era that had a profound creative influence on Small. In the abstract patterns and illustrations, Small often hides messages of acceptance and self-love, like the capital letters on the Tiro Pride Gender Neutral jersey that spell “Be Together.”
adidas
Small wanted the capsule to be a celebration of “movement, color and joy.” This included revamping the traditional Pride visual language with a unique approach to designs – you won’t see a lot of rainbow art here. From the eyeball and lightning bolt doodles on the Love Unites cropped hoodie, to the remixed trans symbol on the Pride Icons bucket hat, there’s something for everyone, however you wear your pride on your sleeve.
Even if you’re just buying great gear for training, adidas has performance-ready Ultraboost 5.0 DNA shoes you can slip into for Pride. We’ve tested the brand’s Ultraboost trainers before and love their springy midsole and supportive fit that gives you that extra boost for some serious cardio.
With a great mix of stylish gear, performance-ready kicks and everyday athleisure kicks, the adidas x Kris Andrew Small collection has made it even easier to switch up your Pride wardrobe this season. . Pieces are gender neutral and inclusive in size from 2XS to 4XL in garments with prices starting at $15. Shop the collection live now at adidas.com.