The History Of Jeremy Scott And Adidas
When Adidas first partnered with American fashion designer Jeremy Scott in 2003, the sneaker collaboration scene looked nothing like it does today. Back then, partnerships between major sportswear brands and high-fashion designers were rare, risky, and often experimental. Most brands played it safe, sticking to performance-focused designs or subtle lifestyle releases. Adidas, however, saw something different in Scott - a fearless creative force with a pop-culture-saturated, boundary-pushing approach to fashion. Taking the leap would not only redefine their brand’s image but also spark one of the most iconic, divisive, and culturally significant collaborations in sneaker history.
From their very first release, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a trend-following project - it was going to set trends. Scott took familiar Adidas silhouettes and completely reimagined them, turning each pair into wearable statements. Dollar-bill prints, metallic leathers, oversized wings, cartoon characters, stuffed animals, bones, and bold animal patterns transformed sneakers from functional items into conversation pieces. These were designs that refused to blend in. They demanded attention, whether spotted on the runway, in music videos, or on the streets.
The Early Days: Breaking The Mold
The first Adidas x Jeremy Scott release set the tone for everything that followed: a Forum High drenched in a custom dollar-bill print featuring Scott’s own portrait in place of George Washington’s. Limited to just 100 pairs, it was eccentric, collectible, and instantly buzzworthy - foreshadowing the creative chaos that would become Scott’s signature.
In 2008, Adidas gave Scott an entire line to work with, spanning sneakers, apparel, and accessories. This was perfect timing - streetwear was evolving fast, embracing louder colors, exaggerated silhouettes, and playful design concepts. His now-famous “Wings” sneakers, with large sculpted wings extending from the sides, became a cultural phenomenon. They weren’t just shoes; they were statements of personality, worn by the likes of Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and A$AP Rocky. Each release blurred the line between fashion and art, challenging the idea of what sneakers could be.
The Bones, The Bears, And The Legends
If there’s one era that cemented Jeremy Scott’s cult status, it was his run of animal- and object-inspired designs. The “Teddy Bear” sneakers - complete with plush bear heads and arms hugging the shoe - became instantly recognizable, loved by some and ridiculed by others. The gorilla and panda variations followed, pushing the absurdity even further. His “Bones” sneakers draped skeletal overlays across the uppers, transforming standard silhouettes into theatrical showpieces.
These creations divided sneaker culture in a way few designs ever have. For every person who dismissed them as gimmicks, there was someone willing to line up overnight just to get a pair. And that was the point - Scott’s work was meant to provoke, to challenge conventions, and to inject unapologetic fun into fashion.
Controversy And Cultural Impact
Scott’s fearless creativity sometimes landed him in hot water. The 2012 Roundhouse Mid “Handcuffs” received backlash for their shackle-like ankle straps, which many interpreted as racially insensitive. Adidas pulled the release and issued a public apology. In 2013, a “Totem Pole” print collection also drew criticism for cultural appropriation.
Yet, even with the controversies, Scott’s influence never faded. His work for Adidas helped prove that sneakers could be more than just performance gear or subtle lifestyle pieces - they could be art, cultural statements, and even lightning rods for conversation. Today’s more experimental collaborations - from cartoon-inspired Jordans to luxury fashion crossovers - owe some of their freedom to the creative risks Scott took.
The Hiatus And The Return
By 2015, the first era of Adidas x Jeremy Scott came to a close, leaving behind a legacy of designs that had reshaped sneaker culture. For years, collectors hunted down pairs, prices climbed on the resale market, and fans hoped for a comeback.
In 2021, Adidas answered that call. The partnership was revived, with Scott promising both nostalgic revivals of fan favorites - like the wings, teddy bears, and bones - and new, equally outrageous ideas. “Partnering again with Adidas feels like a homecoming,” Scott said. “I’m thrilled to be home!” This new chapter signaled that, even in a more crowded collaboration landscape, there was still space for Scott’s unique brand of chaos.
A Designer Who Redefined Sneaker Culture
Jeremy Scott’s Adidas collaborations didn’t just influence sneakers - they shifted how the entire industry viewed design possibilities. By fearlessly blending luxury, kitsch, humor, and pop culture, he proved that shoes could carry as much personality as the people wearing them. Whether loved or hated, his designs demanded a reaction, and that’s what made them unforgettable.
Available Now: Adidas Campus 80s Jeremy Scott Bones Black
One of Scott’s most playful concepts reimagined through a classic silhouette, the Adidas Campus 80s Jeremy Scott Bones Black combines black leather uppers, serrated Three Stripes, and unique faux fur tongues for a bold twist on the timeless Campus design. Detachable white bone-shaped lace accessories add a customizable, standout element, nodding to one of his most famous motifs. Released in 2023, this brand new pair captures the perfect balance between classic streetwear style and avant-garde creativity - making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
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