KSENIASCHNAIDER x adidas Originals
KSENIASCHNAIDER UNVEILS SECOND COLLABORATIVE COLLECTION WITH ADIDAS ORIGINALS
The creative duo of Ksenia and Anton Schnaider continue to embody the concept of "design without design" on iconic adidas silhouettes. Last summer, the debut collection with adidas Originals introduced Superstar sneakers with the Ukrainian translation of the name in white and mint colors. This year, the new collection features an updated "Superstar" in black with contrast color external seams.
In the second collaboration, the brands expanded their assortment - in addition to denim, the new collection includes swimwear, knitted cardigans, dresses, repurposed football jerseys, and accessories.
Each item in the collection has a green price tag hidden in unexpected areas. A small neon sticker challenges fashion norms, clothing values, and constantly plays with people who try to remove it. "I remember how carefully the adidas design team and Anton chose the position for each sticker on clothes and shoes to make it look as 'accidental' as possible," shares Ksenia Schnaider. She also recalls how the shoebox bag, now sought after by sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts worldwide, came to be - "Anton saw a shoebox lying around somewhere in the adidas headquarters in Herzo and immediately attached his belt to it, approached the team, and said, 'We need to make a bag like this!' That's how it all started, with the classic shoebox as the foundation. Later, this evolved into the big idea of 'celebrating a shoe box' - we scanned the box unfolded and used it as a print for the t-shirt and hoodie. This is a good example of how cool things come out of play. "
Tell us about this collaboration process, how did it look from start to finish?
KSENIA: The process kicked off with extensive brainstorming sessions where we exchanged ideas, sketches, and concepts. We came to adidas HQ in Germany and worked closely with the team on every product. We delved deep into what both brands stood for and how we could seamlessly blend our aesthetics and values.
Why Adidas?
KSENIA:We had a strategic session with the KS team in 2016 and decided that we want to have a collaboration with adidas. At that time it sounded crazy, as we were a small Ukrainian brand. But once we agreed on this partnership between ourselves, we started work to make it happen. Me and my partner Anton have loved adidas since teen years so we decided we wanted to add our voice to this legendary brand story.
What do you find the most rewarding aspect of collaborating with a big global brand?
KSENIA: Endless possibilities with production - almost any of your ideas can be produced, when in our reality we have to limit ourselves in terms of materials, colours and finishings.
Where do you get your creative inspiration?
KSENIA: We just love to experiment, play, and have fun while working.
What are future goals for your brand?
KSENIA: Now we are working on our online store and planning a huge relaunch this summer. We want to move our stock from Ukraine to a few warehouses around the world and provide our customers faster and cheaper shipping options.
PHOTOGRAPHER Nastya Kovaleva
MODEL Ljuba Varga