If you had the chance to collaborate with adidas, what would you look towards to influence that collaboration? The rich history of German design maybe? Or perhaps the adoption of their footwear by certain subcultures?
Well in their latest collaboration with adidas, END. have been inspired by putting a brightly coloured sock in with a load of white washing. Which at first sounds a bit lame and un-exciting, but when you think about it, is actually pretty clever.
For the collaboration, END. have selected three separate three-stripe trainers to give the ‘accidental’ dyeing treatment to, these being the Gazelle, SL-72 and Prototype TRX, the latter of the three marking the first time it’s been released to the public – exciting stuff after all.
Each shoe has been altered to represent a different degree of panic you experience when you realise that you’ve accidentally mixed your whites with your colours, and are slowly watching them become more and more discoloured during a three-hour wash cycle.
The SL72 represents the relaxed pre-dyeing stage, and for that reason comes in various tones of white and has been detailed with a lovely mesh tongue.
The Gazelle, meanwhile, represents a much less calming experience in the process – when your clothes begin to change colour. This has been done by it appearing in different shades of white and pink suede across its uppers.
Finally, the Prototype TRX follows pretty much the same format as the Gazelle, but has gone into the wash with a green sock instead of a red one, resulting in a gradient of green hues throughout its uppers. What’s worth mentioning as well is the shape of the Prototype TRX – this shoe appears to have some serious angles on it, which is refreshing in today’s climate. All too often you’ll purchase a brand-new pair of trainers only to find they look as if they’ve been trod on by a cow before they’ve arrived with you.
Naturally, the campaign has been shot inside a laundromat.
A draw for the collection can be entered now from END. Launches and is available for purchase on Friday, October 25th.