Xochitl Gomez is officially adding “adidas ambassador” to her already-stacked résumé. The Doctor Strange actor is the new face of adidas Sportswear, Teen Vogue can exclusively announce.
Partnering with adidas is a natural fit for Gomez, not only is she an avid boxer but she also took home the title of 2023 Dancing with the Stars champion with partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Her passion for dance doesn't stop there either, as the 17-year-old is constantly posting TikToks trying out the latest viral routines. With such an active lifestyle, the decision to join the adidas was a no-brainer.
Ahead of her ambassadorship announcement, Teen Vogue met up with Gomez on the set of an upcoming adidas campaign and talked all things personal style — including the one outfit you'll never catch her wearing. Read on to learn about Gomez's favorite adidas products, how she handles fashion mishaps, and the projects she's most excited to be working on right now.
Teen Vogue: What's the most exciting part about joining the Adidas family?
Xochitl Gomez: I've been a fan of the brand for so long. It seriously takes me back to when I was 10 years old saving up my money to get adidas Superstars. To think about the fact that I'm one of the faces of Sportswear is crazy. It's really fitting because they're all about bringing joy to the community and showing how fun sports can be. I think that's what I love so much about them.
TV: Tell us about what you're wearing right now.
XG: I'm wearing a black and white set, and there's a lot you can do with it, pants or shorts. Personally, I love the shorts so much. This is a compliment in the most amazing way possible: They kind of feel like marshmallows. And they look like marshmallows in the most comfy way. You can literally wear them lounging, or they look cute even when you're just going out to groceries and are like, “Nobody's going to see me,” but you're not going to feel embarrassed if they do.
TV: Did any adidas pieces become staples for you during Dancing with the Stars?
XG: I don't know how many times the paparazzi have taken pictures of me with this giant adidas gym bag that I'm hauling around with all my stuff in it. Every time I'd come out of the car or go to walk with Val, there it was. [Laughs.] That was the it-bag for me.
TV: How does your everyday style differ from your red carpet looks?
XG: For my red carpet looks, I always try to come up with a theme, especially from watching the film. I'd like to say my personal everyday style is very punky-sporty. I don't try to pin myself to one thing because everybody's everything. If one day I want to be the sportiest girl ever and just pull up in a tracksuit, that's what I'll do, but the next day I'll be at the Oscars in a full ball gown.
TV: Have you ever experienced a fashion mishap in public — and how did you recover?
XG: One of the most broadcasted mishaps was on Dancing with the Stars. During Music Video Night, my hat came off when I was doing the iconic Gwen Stefani “Hollaback Girl.” I was so into it, but my arm couldn't get through the hole of the jacket. So the hat was actually on my head, and it was a whole coordinated bit with the jacket that worked every single other time. So the hat came down and I was kind of discombobulated, but you can't show that. You have to truly know your stuff, and if you do, something like that won't affect you. I knew this was just going to be a little thing.
TV: Is there a fashion faux pas you avoid at all costs?
XG: This might be controversial, but I personally don't like the bodycon dress with a chunky white sneaker. I think I've tried, once, to do that, but I'm always like, I might have to suffer and put the heel on. What I will say is, I appreciate the act of comfort. But that's a no. [Laughs.]
TV: If you had to choose, what's your all-time favorite adidas sneaker and why?
XG: There's three. One, the Superstar because it's a classic. Two, the Samba. I love the Samba just because it's so trendy and fun and street style. But also, Ultraboosts. They're very comfortable and very practical. I feel so funny when I wear them because they feel like little marshmallows for my feet. They've done me good.
TV: What upcoming projects are you especially looking forward to, with adidas and beyond?
XG: I've got The Cat in the Hat coming up, which is so exciting. I remember auditioning for that literally so long ago, and I was like, “It's never going to happen.” I'm just excited to get in there and it's coming up soon. And with adidas, I think what's so beautiful about all of this is seeing all the talented people who are also working with adidas Sportswear. It's pretty nice to be put together in a little community like that and see that we have something in common.
