How to Look Like a Fitness Freak Without Breaking a Sweat
Shuttlecocks! Tennis Rackets! Stopwatches! Those are the things Mary Katrantzou's second collaboration for Adidas is made of (well, her graphic motifs are, at least). Known for in-your-face prints that helped change the fashion game, the London-based designer turns her hand to a second street-smart collection for the unstoppable sportswear giants…and the good news? You can actually afford it!
Click through to see the entire collection and read our exclusive interview with the designer!
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas1/11The latest Adidas collab has you covered.
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas2/11Did you always plan to do more than one collection for Adidas, or did the success of the first make a second a no-brainer?
The first collection was such a success and such fun to create, that it seemed only natural to work with Adidas again! They are innovators in sportswear and have a wealth of experience in the industry—we've been able to create a great collection that brings together both worlds.
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas3/11What was your inspiration this time around?
It's a nod to 80's sportswear and fitness imagery from that decade. I used sportswear paraphernalia to create abstract collages of figurative motifs.
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas4/11Tell me a little about the details and motifs that make it, unmistakably, a Mary Katrantzou collection?
The prints are bold and intricate; look closely and you'll see they are actually collages of sports gear in action—a stopwatch, a tennis racket and a badminton shuttlecock. It's a nod to my mainline FW14 collection but here it's more playful and colorful.
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas5/11It crosses the boundary between sportswear, streetwear, and full on fashion. What was your thinking behind the aesthetic and how easy was it to translate for Adidas?
We both have a very distinctive brand identity, so it was important to marry the two. Collaborations are a chance to celebrate the merging of different design aesthetics and I think the collections we've created have a really strong identity. I loved seeing how people styled the first collection, from separates to head to toe print. I'm super excited to see how the new collection is received.
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas6/11Did you have a muse for this collection?
There's a link between the Mary Katrantzou and the Mary Katrantzou for Adidas woman: both are confident with a liberated spirit and a strong sense of style!
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas7/11How do you imagine most people will wear these pieces?
When we launched our first collection with Adidas last year I was overwhelmed by the reaction on social media—people styled the pieces in ways that I would never have considered and I love that! The collection is really accessible.
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas8/11How would you style some of the pieces?
There's a short crepe tank dress from the new collection that would make such a cool party dress, particularly if you styled it with a heel and a varsity jacket. The leggings and shorts are super cute too, so I'd like to see some yoga bunnies in those with the matching tank!
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas9/11Which piece is your favorite?
There's a great printed track top and matching pants—very Miami Beach—which I love! It'd be super cool as a full look but would work just as well styled as separates with a slim trouser and a heel for evening.
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas10/11(cont'd)
I also love the varsity jacket with satin stitching and chenille applique, and the pleated tennis dresses. We've reworked the classic Adidas Adilette slides; I've ordered a pair of every style!
Photo: Courtesy of Adidas11/11Be sure to shop the collection when it hits stores this summer!
