Dingyun Zhang, a renowned Chinese designer and former collaborator with Yeezy, has partnered with Adidas for his first-ever Adidas collaboration. The Dingyun Zhang x Adidas Samba is a new masterpiece in the sneaker industry that features a unique material makeup and a shift in some of its paneling.
The all-black sneaker comes murdered out with a patent leather base that provides a stark contrast to the suede toe box and eyestay. The design of the sneaker is inspired by aughts skateboarding shoes with a puffed-up collar that wraps above the heel with more ripples than usual. The tongue has been slightly shortened, and a custom arrangement of perforations appears on the striping for breathability.
Zhang, a highly conceptual designer, is dedicated to creating newness from scratch. He spent a significant amount of time picking materials, sifting through past versions of the Samba, and measuring out the exact placement of each design feature to create an all-new physical silhouette.
In a press release, Zhang stated that the Dingyun Zhang x Adidas Samba is all about demonstrating that highly conceptual ideas can be stretched into an all-new physical silhouette. He added that bypassing obstacles is the key to success, and the more you challenge yourself, the more you think outside the box and push the boundaries of what's possible.
The Dingyun Zhang x Adidas Samba is a unique sneaker that showcases Zhang's creativity and dedication to pushing boundaries in the sneaker industry. The collaboration between Zhang and Adidas is sure to be a hit among sneaker enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals who appreciate innovative designs.
As part of his design process, Zhang traveled to both Beijing and Herzogenaurach, Germany in search of source materials for his latest project. Among the items he sought was the iconic Predator Absolute cleat from 2006, which he hoped to incorporate into his upcoming collaboration with Adidas.
Zhang's talent and eye for design had already caught the attention of the fashion world prior to his graduation from Central Saint Martins university in 2020. He had already begun working with Yeezy, the popular clothing and footwear brand founded by rapper Kanye West, and had helped to design the highly sought-after Boost 700 "Wave Runner" alongside veteran designer Steven Smith.
Now, Zhang is set to release his latest creation in collaboration with Adidas - the Dingyun Zhang x Adidas Samba (IE3176). This unique shoe will be available for purchase starting on May 10 through the Confirmed app and select third-party retailers. The shoe is priced at $250, and is sure to be a hit among sneaker enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike.
Zhang's innovative designs and attention to detail have made him one of the most exciting young designers in the fashion industry today. With his latest collaboration with Adidas, he has once again demonstrated his ability to push boundaries and create truly unique and striking pieces that capture the imagination and inspire awe. As he continues to grow and evolve as a designer, it will be fascinating to see where his creativity and vision will take him next.
