In the ever-evolving relationship between football and fashion, no brand has moved the needle quite like adidas. At Paris Fashion Week SS26, Originals took over Paris in the best way possible – exploring football way past the 90-minute mark and delving deep into the world of global creative expression.
Football has always been stitched into adidas DNA. It’s more than performance, it’s a culture, a movement. Whilst performance innovation defines the Three Stripes on pitch, it’s the Originals line that has embedded football deep into the DNA of streetwear and subculture. From it’s archival Predator boots to terrace cult classics like the Samba and Gazelle, adidas Original’s has continuously blurred the lines between what belongs on the pitch and what defines a wardrobe. Adidas Originals doubled down on that legacy at Paris Fashion Week Men’s SS26, showcasing how the beautiful game’s influence reaches beyond just the stadium, venturing into the world of style and identity. Ticking all the right boxes, the Three Stripes gathered generational creatives to explore that world – a fusion of passion, expression and pure football heritage.
At the heart of their large presence in Paris was a rare look into the Three Stripes football archive, flown in especially from Herzo HQ and unpacked for the city’s style icons. Guests looked through era-defining pieces, from Questra ’94 to the ’06 Teamgeist, both of which left an irreplicable mark on football history. Iconic boots were brought to the table, including the Predator Accelerator, F50+ XTRX FG, and the a3 Megaride – the long-standing blueprints for adidas’ latest statement silhouettes.
The full experience was hosted in a unique steel bleachers location, vibing with vinyls and speakers, bringing that Joga Bonito rhythm to Pairs. The showroom, full of iconic pieces and eye-catching designs, was full of energy whilst outside adidas extended their narrative with brand partners, including a Chamberlain Coffee pop up booth serving signature cold brews, as well as a lunch spread from Jah Jah – Paris’ beloved plant-based Caribbean canteen.
Front and centre at the event were the F50 Megaride – a bold fusion of two adidas icons. Blending the Megaride’s chunky runner DNA with the F50’s undeniable speed, the Three Stripes have crafted a stealthy silhouette which shows us the path of which football fashion is headed.
Beyond the archive, adidas Originals spotlighted some of their most iconic collaborations, including Wales Bonner, Willy Chavarria, Y-3, and Brain Dead – each reinterpreting football through their own lens. A cameo from Myles Lewis-Skelly stole the show at Wales Bonner, whilst Chavarria debuted the ‘HURON’ show exploring Mexican-American identity – anchored by relaxed sportswear and unique takes on the esteemed Megaride. Y-3 closed the week with an experimental performance, giving the Megaride silhouette a runway-ready twist in the most distinctive way possible.
We can’t leave out a mention for the guestlist, only the best show face for the Three Stripes. We are talking Myles Lewis-Skelly, James Harden, Dave, Djibril Cissé, Lancey Foux, Emma Chamberlain and many more. More proof of adidas’ growing community at the crossroad of sport and fashion.
Across the city adidas made it clear: the pitch may be where the game starts, but it’s definitely not where it ends. From the terrace to the runway, football culture is more alive than ever, and adidas Originals is writing its next chapter in bold, unapologetic style (as usual).
Watch this space for more info on adidas Originals...
