adidas SPEZIAL Release Pre-Spring '23 Campaign Starring Stephen Graham

Since 2015, the German sportswear titan adidas has been pilfering through its extensive archive to reimagine heritage styles through a contemporary lens under the creative direction of Gary Aspden for adidas SPEZIAL. For the line’s Pre-Spring 2023 collection, this meant taking the very best of the past to create a line-up of trainers inspired by the picturesque landscapes of Iceland. Enlisting the help of British actor Stephen Graham, the Boiling Point star explores the awe-inspiring views of Icelandic Fjords while wearing the seven newly introduced SPEZIAL footwear styles plus apparel. With cameos from Icelandic film director Friðrik Þór Friðriksson and Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson (who soundtracked the composition), Graham gets a feel of what makes Iceland such a mythical place.

As the perfect accompaniment to the breathtaking views the Nordic nation has to offer, SPEZIAL has introduced seven new styles in tonal hues. First introduced in 2016, the Hochelaga SPZL returns this season with a navy iteration adorned with yellow stripes. It’s accompanied by an even sleeker stark-white iteration with the Hochelaga Super crafted entirely from supple leather and finished with navy and red ‘edged’ stripes that are synonymous with the styles that dominated the brand’s lineup in the late 80s.

Speaking of the 1980s, the era of excess was a key reference for SPEZIAL's new styles crafted from premium materials. The all-black Hartness SPZL was constructed from leather with a mesh vamp and reflective detailing making it just as sleek when running around the city as exploring Iceland’s volcanic terrain. Similarly, the Arkesden SPZL -inspired by the Lacombe SPZL - elevates the brand’s classic silhouettes with rich suede uppers atop dark cupsoles. An all-new silhouette introduced with this collection is the Hiaven SPZL. With outdoor exploration in mind, it was crafted with an aditex membrane and protective rubber mudguard.

Of course, SPEZIAL's latest offerings are about more than just covetable footwear. As the perfect pairing to adidas' expertly crafted trainers, the collection features apparel and accessories including an elevated tracksuit. Looking to preserve the natural wonder of Iceland, the brand takes a sustainable approach with the Tockholes TT and TP. The newly introduced tracksuit is crafted entirely from recycled fleece in order to reduce their environmental footprint.

The limited adidas Spezial collection will be available on 10 February through select retailers.