Los Angeles Fashion Week ended on a high note as Adidas Originals hosted a dynamic runway show on Saturday, March 22nd, spotlighting the next generation of design talent. The event, a tribute to LA’s status as a global creative capital, featured 24 custom looks from six emerging designers—Baba Jagne, Bishme Cromartie, Kelly Hsieh, House of Gray, House of Aama and ECÉ Designs. Each designer reimagined Adidas pieces through their distinct lens, with the highly anticipated adiZero Goukana sneaker serving as the collection’s foundation.
The runway show was a testament to Adidas’ commitment to honoring originality and culture. By collaborating with local talent, the brand reinforced its connection to LA’s deep influence on fashion, streetwear and sportswear.
For ECÉ Designs, authenticity was key. “We pulled inspiration from past pieces and integrated Adidas designs into our everyday life,” they shared. With a background in track and field, the partnership felt natural. “We wanted to incorporate youth culture, fashion and streetwear while ensuring functionality for athletes.” Seeing her designs on the runway was a surreal moment. “It’s the icing on the cake,” she said. One standout piece in her collection was a recreation of their breakthrough design, made even more special through a collaboration with artist Savvy.
Baba Jagne approached the collection with a focus on staying true to their brand’s DNA. “We took core pieces from our brand and adapted them to fit within Adidas’ identity,” they explained. The approach merged existing designs with Adidas elements, prioritizing functionality. “Every piece needed to transition seamlessly—from the gym to work.” Seeing the collection materialize was fulfilling, especially since collaborating with Adidas had been a goal. “We literally had Adidas on our vision board for the year,” he said. A glow-in-the-dark piece emerged as a favorite, described as both highly functional and visually striking.
For Bishme Cromartie, the collection carried deep personal significance. Inspired by the acronym “All Day I Dream About Serenity,” the designs were a tribute to his late sister, who passed away in 2022. “She loved hip-hop and Adidas, so this was an ode to her,” he revealed. The collection told an emotional story, transitioning from anger (represented by red) to resilience (denim) and ultimately transformation (black). “Fashion is how I process emotions,” Cromartie shared. The final runway look and a reimagined track pant held particular sentimental value, serving as powerful symbols of healing and artistic expression.
House of Gray took a research-driven approach, digging into Adidas’ archives. “We studied Adidas’ history, especially its work in the ‘80s, to balance their identity with our own,” they explained. Their goal was to blend tailoring with Adidas’ legacy, crafting a collection that felt both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Seeing their work on the runway was a dream realized. “These are the nights we prayed for,” they said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the chance to represent their hometown of Inglewood, California.
With the adiZero Goukana sneaker set for release this summer, Adidas Originals’ LA Fashion Week showcase reinforced the brand’s unwavering dedication to innovation and cultural storytelling. The evening was more than just a fashion moment—it was a declaration of creativity, identity, and the limitless potential of original voices in design.
