Adidas & Thebe Magugu launch collection inspired by African heritage

The new drop includes a three-piece modesty swimwear set made in part with recycled materials and chlorine resistant fabric; swimwear in inclusive sizing (XS-4XL); and gender-neutral pieces with Unitefit – a fit system that is created with a spectrum of sizes, genders, and forms in mind.

The collection for women features the celebratory and joyful artwork of a woman dancing, designed in collaboration with artist Phathu Nembilwi, and influenced by Thebe’s mother, aunt and grandmother, and the theme of femininity, interwoven with leading Adidas material technology. Each garment features an abstract selection of bright and punchy colours including, impact orange and yellow, accents of shock pink, backgrounded by pulse lilac, Adidas said in a press release.

The high-performance tennis pieces will be premiered during a hardcourt tournament by Adidas’ athletes Dana Mathewson, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger Aliassime and Daria Kasatkina. The tennis collection features the Purple NY Unitefit Tennis Dress, delivering style and functionality, made in part with recycled materials.

Alongside the performance pieces, the statement Originals looks include the Originals crop T-shirt, in white and semi pulse lilac, delivering classic streetwear style, and the Originals 7/8 Leggings, a go-to choice for every occasion. The collaboration also includes remixes of iconic Adidas footwear silhouettes including the Stan Smith, Nizza Platform, Astir and Forum footwear, which feature design accents from Thebe Magugu's signature prints. Hero styles and pieces have been made in part with recycled materials.

Designer Thebe Magugu said: “The collection really celebrates all the positive influences around me, and a sense of community that is so important to me. I hope it inspires the same joyful feeling in those who wear it.”

Hero pieces within the collection spanning performance and Originals include Adidas x Thebe Magugu Swim Hijab, Fast Jacket and NMD.

The Swim Hijab is made from chlorine resistant fabric that's ultra-flat, lightweight and chlorine resistant. It also comes with an adjustable inner cap to ensure hair is kept tucked away and an outer layer that provides full coverage. The Fast Jacket features bold graphic features and a smooth woven fabric with a lightweight feel for fast running and racing. It also has a water-repellent finish to help shrug off light rain. The jacket is made in part with 100 per cent recycled materials Parley Ocean Plastic. The Originals NMD Trainer mixes top-tier athletic technology with everyday style.

The second drop of the season, in October 2022, features the Thebe Magugu Bird of Paradise plant print that represents the idea of unbridled joy and freedom, which unites with Adidas performance technology such as the boost midsole, in a yoga look alongside the revival of the button-down jogger and statement tee.

The Adidas x Thebe Magugu Mainline Drop 1 collection is now available for AdiClub members early access, and to all on August 15, 2022, via Adidas’ official platform.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)