Words by Offspring Community member Kieran Coyle @allthatsneaks
It was while working at a Melbourne sneaker store in the early 2000s that I would finally have my first in-hand moment with the adidas Gazelle. For the large European contingent in the surrounding suburbs, we stocked more adidas than our other outlets. Gazelles would fly off the shelf, particularly the navy/white colourway, as it matched the colours of the Carlton Football Club who had a strong following in the area. It was the first full suede sneaker I had seen; they just hit different.
Moving to London in 2007, it was ubiquitous, not just on the shelves, but the feet of the rich and famous too. Plenty of celebrities were rocking them as their sneaker of choice at one point or another; with the likes of Alexa Chung, Rihanna, Kanye and even Prince Harry. I’ve seen Gazelles on the feet of the average Joe, and then on the feet of those hopping out of luxury cars in Mayfair. It just goes to show, you can have all the money in the world, but a classic is a classic. Simple as that.
Continuing to tap into the fashion-conscious elite, adidas enlisted industry icon Kate Moss to be the face of the Gazelle in 2016. For the campaign, the brand dug out an archival image of Kate Moss wearing the sneakers back in 1993 and turned it into a video. Speaking about the now cult-like image, adidas brand consultant Gary Aspden said, “Like the Gazelle, Kate Moss is just as relevant in 2016 as she was back in the 1990s, which is why the image works so well”.
“Gazelles were THE trainer we all wore in the 90s… I was and always have been an adidas girl.” Kate Moss
From supermodels to rock ‘n’ roll stars, the Gallagher brothers need no introduction. In addition to being one of Britain’s biggest bands, the unapologetic Manchester duo are also dedicated adidas sneaker fans. Liam’s go-to lace-ups were the Gazelles, uniformed with his Stone Island jackets and football jerseys. Both Liam and Noel have collaborated with adidas to release similar models in the ‘adidas Spezial, LG2 SPZL and Training 72’. Classic styles adorned with their faces on the tongue. Gazelle and Gallagher however are a perfect match, and adidas would be missing a trick by not releasing a model called the ‘Gazellaghers’.
There was now a plethora of collabs and colourways adding weight to an already highly regarded cult classic. One of the best out there was the stealth-like ‘Neighborhood x adidas Gazelle Super’. Founder Shinsuke Takizawa struck the shoe with a blacked-out aesthetic – reflecting the design sensibilities of the Japanese streetwear brand. The low-profile silhouette was updated with a Primeknit upper, featuring tonal black suede on the heel tab, toe panel, and serrated Three-Stripes. The monochromatic design was finished in a black rubber midsole, while contrasting pops of white appear on the co-branded tongue tag and the Neighborhood logo on the black suede eyestay.
More recently, we’ve seen the unlikely collab between Gazelle and Gucci, as the classic goes from the terrace to luxury status. It’s not often that a sneaker will go from humble beginnings, to a collaboration with an $18 billion business.
I’d never have thought I’d look twice at a Gucci sneaker but collaborate on a Gazelle and I’m all ears. They’ve created some incredible colourways, added quality Gucci materials, and that’s all the Gazelle needs. I appreciate the subtle ‘Gucci’ labelling on the midsole too, a nice touch to show those in the know what’s on foot.
Adding to the list of Gazelle wearing super celebs, ‘Gucci God’ Harry Styles is frequently seen donning the pair in shoots as well as on tour – dancing around stage wearing heart-printed Gucci dungarees, beaded necklaces and a pair of Gazelles (like no one else can). Even Brad Pitt has worn the Gucci Gazelles, paired with a suit, on the red carpet. Obviously, Brad Pitt could wear the OGs and make it work, but I think for someone of his calibre, it just has to be the Guccis.
I think it’s hard to fill the chasm between sneakerheads and non-sneakerheads, but the Gazelle seems to do it with ease. Some owners know exactly what they’re wearing, understand the history and take pride in their pair. Conversely, you’ll find someone rocking a pair who doesn’t even know what a sneakerhead is. And the latest iteration of the classic, with its smooth monotone uppers, varied materials, and understated dark tones, it’ll not only suit the most discerning sneakerhead, but also someone just wanting a classy shoe.
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