This Throwback Collection Is adidas SPZL’s Victory Lap (EXCLUSIVE)
How has adidas SPZL, the brainchild of British designer Gary Aspden, managed to survive (and thrive) for ten years in the ever-turbulent fashion industry? By sticking to its guns.
“We had moments of doubt where we questioned ourselves but stayed in our lane and trusted that devoted adidas fans would support the whole SPZL concept if we kept with our original idea,” Aspden previously told Highsnobiety when discussing SPZL’s momentous anniversary. “We are grateful for the community who have stuck with us this far and to the people inside adidas who have supported our vision.”
Through retro-infused, premium designs, the brand has remained pertinent without giving into trends. So, you can expect its latest collection, created with retailer END., to not stray from that winning formula.
This marks the first time END. and SPZL have linked up, the latter brand being notably picky about who it works with: "With any collaborations we do with adidas SPZL there needs to be a good reason for them to exist,” says Aspden. “They are often underpinned by strong existing relationships and this collaboration with END. most definitely has that.”
The quintessentially British collection, titled By the Sea, honors SPZL’s tenth birthday through a collection inspired by the great British seaside — they even tracked down some Tyneside locals to preview the release.
A trio of revitalized footwear classics make up the core of the collection. The Moscrop 2 SPZL returns with its trademark Cordura uppers and pigskin suede overlays, the Wilsy SPZL has nubuck uppers punctuated with tonal mesh panels, and the Samba Deco SPZL, built-in rich navy-blue pigskin suede, gives subtle upgrades to a classic sneaker.
Further paying homage to adidas SPZL’s DNA, there’s a selection of returning garments from the brand’s archives, including the much-celebrated Calavadella Jacket rendered in a vibrant green recycled polyester fabric.
“Given the level of support that END. have loyally shown to the SPZL range since the very beginning, it felt right to finally acknowledge that with a product pack as part of the SPZL tenth anniversary celebrations,” says Aspden. “END. brought their 'By the Sea' story/concept to us and we gave them potential options to work with on a selection of archival SPZL silhouettes from over the past decade. Once they made their product choices we worked collaboratively with discussions at every stage of the design process."
This amalgamation of some of SPZL’s greatest hits, reborn through a contemporary lens, arrives at END. Newcastle on August 2 before launching online via END. Launches and at END. statement stores (including its first European shop in Milan) on August 9.
Through a decade of excellent clobber, SPZL has built a dedicated fanbase that will no doubt be hungry for some of these returning archival bangers.
