We tell ourselves stories in order to live; to make sense out of the chaos in the world. And while many are lost to time, some narratives live on. One enduring story is that of adidas Originals’ iconic Trefoil. Introduced to the world over 50 years ago – when adidas unveiled the logo at the 1972 Olympics in Munich – it has already lived a thousand lifetimes, being adopted by game changers the world over: athletes, musicians, actors, fashion legends, pro skaters. It accompanied them as they scored winning goals, helped birth new genres, gave the performance of a lifetime. It was there as culture was created. Marking the arrival of a new era, adidas Originals looks back at the legendary individuals and communities who put the Trefoil at the centre of so many undeniable cultural moments, and who continue to do so. They’re celebrating this with the launch of their new platform, We Gave the World an Original. You Gave Us a Thousand Back.
While it will ultimately collate 1000 original stories – documenting famous faces, sure, but also you and me and other adidas fans from around the world – the platform centres on three stunning short films. Through the eyes of a trio of talented directors, moments from the Trefoil’s history merge with depictions of how three iconic designs – the Gazelle, the Superstar and the Samba – have evolved over time.
Award-winning music video director Will Dohrn (Idles, Jeshi, Mura Masa) lent his vision to the Gazelle: a running trainer turned skate essential. Nodding to the silhouette’s roots, the film follows a young protagonist as she runs through the streets and through time, as life and subcultures flash by her. Keep an eye out for Goldie’s 1996 i-D cover, which pops up somewhere along the way – thanks Will! The story of the classic leather Superstar, meanwhile, was told by Daniel Wolfe of Catch Me Daddy fame, who embraced the shoe’s journey from basketball to hip-hop in an epic collaged short that transports us to 90s New York for a cameo from RUN DMC. Then there’s the Samba, which was created for the pitch but soon made its way out onto the streets, the skateparks and the street style pages. Berlin-based, Emmy-nominated director Justyna Obasi paid homage to the low-profile silhouette in her moving film that takes us across continents as people through the ages dance; on the pitch, in their living rooms, sitting in their cars. From the 50s (when the model launched) through the 70s, 90s and onward, the Samba has been there through it all.
Beyond these three origin stories, the platform also gathers the tales of some of the brand’s most influential fans. i-D cover star Stormzy, who shot to fame wearing a classic red adidas Originals’ tracksuit, has contributed his story. In the clip, he candidly speaks about how South London has shaped him, how he’s still the same kid in a tracksuit, that he still has that same hunger. Midlands-born Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham tells his story from a locker room. Football can be a lonely sport, it transpires, but through his journey, Jude has been able to draw inspiration from the people he’s met and situations he’s found himself in. “My definition of original is someone who’s themself, regardless of anything,” he says. British Bengali musician Joy Crookes, meanwhile, welcomes us into her studio where she’s reflecting on identity. “I’m fortunate enough to come from extremely different cultures,” she says. “But I also grew up in London, where culture is just bleeding out of brick walls!”
Inspired to share your own story? adidas invites you to contribute to their collection via Instagram. After all, culture is created by people and the stories we tell have the power to endure.
The new adidas platform, We Gave the World an Original. You Gave Us a Thousand Back, is now live. Discover all 1000 Originals Stories here and share your own on Instagram @adidasoriginals