Y-3

When sports equipment manufacturer Adidas met legendary Tokyo-based designer Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 was born. And it's mission is clear: to combine sports performance and a love of design for an innovative, sophisticated style. Y-3 should be seen as a dialogue, an exchange. A conversation between sport and fashion, sportswear and couture, practicality and beauty. Not to mention the fact that the brand's designs are created between the designer's Japanese workshops and the German offices of the three-stripe brand. Though Adidas is no stranger to fashion collabs and has been partnering with designers for several years, its alliance with the Japanese designer already dates back two decades. It all started when Yohji Yamamoto noticed New York businessmen wearing sneakers with their suits. He decided that the models in his upcoming fashion show should do the same, and turned to Adidas to help him create the shoes. This unprecedented – and theoretically one-off – collaboration gave rise to an artistic exchange that would last several seasons, and ultimately give birth to Y-3.With Sportswear gradually becoming more chic, and sneakers more premium, the result is a contemporary and elite athletic style. The label has been praised on many occasions for its mix of genres and its innovative materials, all of which is a result of extensive research, a signature part of Yohji Yamamoto's creative process. Through its artistic narrative, spread across various chapters, Y-3 consistently brings new pieces that always push the boundaries of style. Lace is mixed with nylon, sweatpants are re-imagined as skirts, and technical and stylish accessories are added to each look. With woollen beanies, balaclavas layered with a tone-on-tone beanie, logo caps, Tech and Utility nylon backpacks, and more, all your sportswear staples are given the Y-3 twist, led by Yohji Yamamoto. With a rare restraint that testifies to the brand’s pursuit of elegance, its sneakers are every bit as impressive as those of its competitors. From the very sporty Shiku Run and Ultraboost 22 to the more urban Ajatu Court and Hokori, their ultra-technical designs are the ideal companions for a modern, minimalist style.