Los Angeles-based streetwear brand Brain Dead has teamed up with adidas Originals to reimagine the iconic Stan Smith sneaker. The collaboration infuses the classic tennis shoe with Brain Dead’s signature unconventional aesthetic. Founded over a decade ago, Brain Dead has cultivated a global following for its distinctive approach to apparel, art and design. The brand’s ethos centers on fostering a sense of community among diverse subcultures. Known for its minimalist design and association with tennis legend Stan Smith, the adidas Stan Smith has transcended its athletic origins to become a cultural mainstay.
This collaboration introduces subtle yet impactful modifications that maintain the classic profile of the shoe while incorporating the distinctive elements of Brain Dead. The usual flat laces have been replaced with thicker, contrasting laces, while the Brain Dead logo appears subtly within the three perforated stripes on the sides. The heel tab features an unexpected twist: a textured, furry material that provides a bold contrast to the smooth leather upper.
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Available in four colorways – Cream, Dark Green, Light Blue and Pink – the Brain Dead x adidas Stan Smith pays tribute to the heritage of the shoe while pushing it into the future. To celebrate the launch, Brain Dead teamed up with artist Ryan Decker to create a campaign that captures the spirit of the collaboration. Inspired by the unconventional nature of animation, the campaign depicts a surreal tennis match with bizarre imagery and gravity-defying elements. The limited edition Brain Dead x adidas Stan Smith will be released on September 7th. The sneakers will be available via the Adidas CONFIRMED app, select adidas retailers and the Brain Dead website.
