Adidas Japan has launched "XBYO," an apparel collection that incorporates Japanese pattern techniques and materials, from the adidas Originals 2017 Spring/Summer collection.
Ahead of its global release on December 22nd, the collection was released in advance at the adidas Originals Flagship Store Tokyo, the VIP room of the adidas online shop, as well as BEAMS Harajuku Japan and 23 other stores, the Isetan Shinjuku Men's Store, and ISETAN HAUS in Nagoya. Sales will begin worldwide and nationwide in Japan on January 5th next year. A launch event was held on the 21st, the day before the advance release, where the latest men's and women's collections were unveiled in an installation show. X-BIO is an apparel collection that combines Japanese pattern-cutting techniques and materials with inspiration from the iconic X motif, which was developed by Adidas Italy in the 1960s as a heel cage for shoes and was first used in apparel in 2001, shortly after the launch of Adidas Originals. While using traditional motifs, the collection was cut by Satomi Nakamura, a leading Japanese pattern-cutter who has worked on men's patterns for global collection brands for over 20 years and also has experience in sports manufacturers. By adding sophisticated cuts to classic streetwear, such as three-dimensional cutting with meticulous calculations based on ergonomics and darts instead of fabric transitions, the collection achieves a unique silhouette that is simple yet "uncomfortable," creating a new look and unrestricting movement. The material used is "Premium Terry Cotton," a high-density knit that has a firm texture and becomes more comfortable with wear, just like jeans, and was developed for X-Bio by Yamayo Textile, a leading Japanese cut-and-sew fabric manufacturer that has partnered with Adidas for over 50 years. Prices range from 11,000 yen for the sweatshirt, 10,000 yen for the sweatpants, 12,000 yen for the track top, 5,490 yen for the T-shirt, and 12,000 yen for the hooded pullover.
Regarding this project, Nakamura said, "What I focused on was making something that had never been seen before. I started by thinking about what a sweatshirt should be, and using a non-stretch material, I used pattern making to create a three-dimensional form from the start, like a cloth suit or jacket. It is not two-dimensional or flat like a knit or T-shirt. I was not particularly conscious of whether it was for men or women, or the occasions in which it would be worn. Rather than focusing on sports, it is something to wear in the city or after playing sports. I am not at all conscious of the fact that Adidas has collaborated with designers. As a pattern maker, I would like to continue to create what I think is new at the time, while responding to what is given to me at the time, without being bound by stereotypes or information." During the talk session, Atsushi Nakahama, general manager of apparel at adidas Originals, explained, "We started by wondering if we could create something like the Superstar or Stan Smith within the apparel category." He continued, "Right now, we believe that a brand needs to learn from the past and create something new, rather than focusing on trends, so we used the 'X' as the brand name and motif. While we're not exclusively focused on Japan, we'll continue our collaboration with Nakamura. The collection, which used 3D patterns and high-density knits, was fantastic, and I was impressed by the power of patterns. We believe the target audience will be broader than ever, and will be accepted by everyone from fashion-conscious individuals to everyday people. While we're working with some of the world's top pattern makers, the prices are reasonable, so I hope you'll try it on for yourself." Also attending the event, Yamayo Textile Co., Ltd. President Ikuo Yamashita said, "We learned a lot from the material development and concept behind this project, and I believe it will lead to new developments and future expansion."
