We chat to Offspring Community member Cameron aka @metrajeperdido about the new Gazelle ‘San Juan’ – a sneaker celebrating the roots of Puerto Rico, its culture and its streets.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Cameron and I’m 20 years old from Birmingham. As one of the younger members of the community, I’m currently studying physiotherapy at university, and like many of you reading this, I’m passionate about all things sneakers, streetwear, and sports.
We hear you’re a massive Bad Bunny fan, how and when did this happen?
Like any young boy I found myself carving out my own musical identity during my secondary school commutes, gradually curating a mix of American rap, British and Spanish/Latin American artists. From this, came my discovery of Bad Bunny.
My introduction to his music came via a Spotify shuffle that played “Soy Peor” – iykyk! And from that moment on, I was hooked...
But it wasn’t just the music; it was the man behind it. Watching his music videos, filled with bold visuals and creative flair, was like entering a colourful, dynamic universe where anything is possible.
Following him on social media, I got to see the person beyond the artist. His authenticity shines through every post and every interview. He doesn’t just make music; he makes statements, challenging norms, and advocating for change. His courage to be different, to be himself unapologetically, resonates deeply with me and being a Spanish speaker facilitated this a whole lot more.
From that first Spotify shuffle encounter to now, my journey as a Bad Bunny fan has been nothing short of exhilarating. His music is the soundtrack to my highs and lows, his words a source of inspiration. In an industry that’s constantly changing, Bad Bunny’s artistry remains a thrilling constant, always pushing the boundaries and keeping me eagerly awaiting his next move.
What are your thoughts on music artists collaborating with sneaker brands? What impact does this have on the community?
I love it! Evidently, it has become increasingly present within the scene, with more and more brands seeking to connect with artists seen as pioneers in their space. These collaborations help forge stronger connections between the brands and fans. Having a physical product that your favourite artist has shaped and influenced is something special; it adds to the growing story and connection one has with the music artist. It's safe to say only a few have executed this well.
So, for those of us that are lovers of both worlds, a sneaker collaboration like this, not only builds on the connection but serves as a way to express admiration and support for the artist, while also enjoying an exclusive piece of wearable art that carries a narrative and aesthetic shaped by them.
It also allows non-fans to discover them in a whole new way, you can now appreciate a music artist, not only for their music but for their creative direction and collaborative efforts they bring to our world of sneakers and fashion.
Can you describe how celebrating Latin culture and heritage has influenced the sneaker industry.
It has brought with it bold colours, intricate patterns, and diverse artistic influences. These elements, deeply rooted in Latin traditions, have found their way into sneaker designs, creating collections that not only showcase cultural icons but also tell stories of resilience and creativity.
Beyond aesthetics, these implementations have no doubt promoted inclusivity and representation, empowering Latinx communities and enriching the sneaker culture with narratives that celebrate diversity and heritage.
Bad Bunny’s on-going collaboration with adidas had delivered a number of releases so far each seeing much success. A fan favourite being the Bad Bunny x adidas Forum. How does the upcoming Gazelle Indoor ‘San Juan’ compare to his previous silhouettes?
I love how Bad Bunny mixes it up – first dropping a variety of colourways in one silhouette, then hitting us with something new, all while keeping those creative touches we appreciate from his previous adidas collaborations. It’s always a surprise and never fails to impress, blending authentic storytelling with fresh takes on classic adidas silhouettes, appealing to both sneaker enthusiasts and fans eager to connect with his cultural pride and artistic vision.
What’s your thoughts on the upcoming Bad Bunny x adidas Gazelle Indoor ‘San Juan’ release?
The upcoming Bad Bunny x adidas Gazelle Indoor 'San Juan' is a blend of creativity and cultural homage. Inspired by the blue skies and sunny beaches of Bad Bunny's hometown, this sneaker is a revamped and edgy version of the classic Gazelle. It features a 'Celestial Blue' leather base, overlaid with short-haired suede panels and canvas that add texture and depth. The toe box perforations allowing for airflow, perfect for those warmer days.
What sets this sneaker apart is its unique design elements. My favourite feature being the asymmetrical T-toe design that shifts slightly to the side, offering a fresh twist.
The creativity doesn't stop there; the double tongue features a blank label attached with red stitching, and the size tag is intriguingly placed around the back. The usual Three Stripe branding on the lateral and medial walls are accompanied by “San Juan” text, debossed in gold, adding a touch of elegance. You’d almost have to expect a special release for the Gazelle in Puerto Rico, as Bad Bunny’s done in the past on some of his earlier shoes.
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
What are the top 3 adidas silhouettes?
1. adidas Samba
2. adidas Gazelle
3. adidas ZX 8000
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Favourite Bad Bunny song?
Yonaguni
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Dream Bad Bunny collaboration?
Bad Bunny x adidas x Lorenz.OG or Bad Bunny x adidas x Wales Bonner
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Favourite Bad Bunny x adidas collaboration?
Bad Bunny x adidas Campus Wild Moss
What would you like to see next for Bad Bunny x adidas and what would that collaboration look like?
A three-way collaboration similar to the innovative adidas, Clarks, and Kith partnership from 2023 and 2024 would be an exciting move, especially with Bad Bunny at the helm – known as one of adidas’ most experimental collaborators.
The Bad Bunny x adidas Gazelle Indoor ‘San Juan’ releases on the 21st June and will be available at Offspring Selfridges London, and our King’s Cross store.
