Caroline Hu‘s new collaboration with adidas brings a unique blend of chaos and elegance to the classic Samba sneaker. Despite attempts by some sneakerheads to resist the allure of the Samba, collaborations like the Caroline Hu x Adidas Samba inevitably draw them back in.
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Even if you’re not familiar with the Chinese fashion designer, her accolades speak volumes, including being a finalist for the LVMH Young Designer Award and winning the Business of Fashion China Prize in 2019. Now, she’s adding her distinctive ruffles to one of the most popular sneakers in the world.
First showcased at Hu’s Autumn 2024 Paris show, this special edition Samba appears in five different color combinations as part of her Reverie ready-to-wear line. The blue and black versions feature dramatic loofah frills, reminiscent of the grand gowns from her Spring/Summer 2020 collection, replacing the usual leather.
For those preferring a subtler look, there are black, off-white, and pink versions with a more understated design. These lacy uppers were created by Hu’s artist friend, Rao Chen, inspired by traditional Chinese flora and fauna.
All five designs include the iconic three stripes along the sides, with co-branded details on the tongues. They are packaged in specially designed shoeboxes unique to this Adidas collaboration, along with a range of coordinating clothing and accessories.
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“This collaboration has provided an excellent opportunity to revisit and reinterpret Chinese elements in my designs,” Hu said in an official statement. “I believe this is best expressed through the use of colors and patterns.”
Hu isn’t the only Chinese creative to reimagine the Samba this season. Earlier this month, Dingyun Zhang, known for his oversized, puffy designs, unveiled his own take on the classic silhouette, completely redesigning it from the ground up.
The Caroline Hu x Adidas Samba collection will be available on May 24 at Juice, with a wider release expected soon on Adidas, the Confirmed app, and select retailers.
