adidas has announced a long-term partnership with Arte Antwerp, marking the first collaboration between the German sportswear brand and the Belgian elevated streetwear label. The alliance aims to reinterpret adidas Sportswear staples through Arte’s design sensibilities, informed by founder Bertony Da Silva’s Angolan roots and European upbringing. Central to the collaboration is a commitment to honor the impact of the African diaspora on sports culture, while delivering refined and accessible products.
The debut collection introduces a new silhouette, the Lightblaze POD. Following the earlier launch of the Lightblaze model this year, adidas and Arte presented a limited navy edition of the updated POD version at an exclusive Paris pop-up hosted by Arte. That release was reserved for friends and family. The collaboration now reaches a wider audience with the introduction of an all-white iteration, available through the CONFIRMED app. The campaign is fronted by Belgian former footballer Mousa Dembélé, a longtime supporter of both adidas and Arte.
Design and construction place emphasis on textural quality. The Lightblaze POD reflects Arte’s minimalist aesthetic while incorporating adidas’ technical expertise. The model features Adizero LIGHTSTRIKE foam technology for comfort and performance, while Arte’s signature metal branding lends a distinctive finish. This combination delivers a balance between athletic function and contemporary design.
Bertony Da Silva described the project as an opportunity to merge Arte’s philosophy with adidas’ credibility in sportswear. He stressed that the collaboration serves as a creative platform to slow down design cycles and create substance-driven pieces. Da Silva emphasized the importance of storytelling rooted in European sports culture and the African diaspora, with the Lightblaze POD serving as the first step in a series of projects meant to set a higher standard for modern sportswear.
Aimee Arana, Global SVP and GM of adidas Sportswear & Training, explained that the partnership reflects the shared ethos of both brands. She pointed to products designed with longevity in mind, constructed as versatile wardrobe pieces that move between youth culture and sport. For Arana, the adidas x Arte range continues adidas’ tradition of developing sportswear grounded in cultural identity and community.
The Lightblaze POD retails at $200 / €200 and is available in sizes UK 3.5–13.5. Access is granted through CONFIRMED’s wave mechanic, with codes distributed on social media by Arte’s founder Bertony Da Silva, adidas athletes Rafael Leao and Nuno Mendez, and Korean musician Jay Park. Each code allows the holder to share access with two friends, creating a community-driven launch process.
This collaboration extends beyond footwear, with upcoming releases including a reversible Z.N.E. tracksuit and a full apparel collection. These future drops will continue to reflect the shared exploration of African heritage and European identity, reinforcing the long-term nature of the adidas x Arte partnership.
