The fashion and sneaker industries are always having a controversy or another. In fact, many brands crossed many lines and normalized a ton of unacceptable behaviors. But when a huge brand like Balenciaga pulls a dangerous stunt and does the undoable, not everyone would let it slide. You see, everyone draws the line a pedophilia, no matter how morally grey they are. And at some point, this created tension between the Three Stripes and the brand. But with the rumors surfacing in 2023 of a Balenciaga Adidas comeback, we wanted to revisit the topic. From the history of the collab to what we know about the potential 2023 comeback, here’s all the tea!
A Balenciaga Adidas Partnership Recap
Teasers, Teasers, and then the Real Deal
The sneaker industry isn’t a stranger to high-end collaborations, especially when it comes to Adidas. However, when we saw the Triple S with the three stripes through leaks in March 2022, everyone got talking! And not too long later, we actually got the black and white Balenciaga Adidas Triple S in May 2022. The kicks retailed for $1,000, and they’re worth $1,315 on average today.
Controversy Loves Company
After the May release, more colorways followed in November. But shortly after, a controversial Balenciaga campaign garnered some serious backlash. It featured kids with products in a setting unsuitable for children. Now the brand quickly pulled the campaign, but well, everyone already saw that. And with the public reacting badly to it, the brand tried to save face by issuing a public apology. However, Adidas kinda pulled the plug on the Balenciaga Adidas collab in December 2022.
Balenciaga Adidas Returns – What Do We Know?
Although there was no official announcement, leaks seem to state that the partnership is back! In that leak, we have a picture of what was an Adidas Forum inside a Balenciaga Track Hike shell. Now, that’s pretty creative, but let’s be fair… it’s not it. We ain’t saying that these won’t sell, because they certainly will, even if they’re overpriced. As to release info, there is nothing so far. However, if the previous releases are any indication, an actual release shouldn’t take too long. Let’s wait and see!
What Do People Think About This Comeback?
People don’t easily forget, especially when it comes to missteps and controversies like the one Balenciaga created. And Adidas potentially reconnecting with the brand is not sitting well with many in the industry. On the other hand, it leaves us with the question of selective forgiveness again. When it came to Kanye’s antics, all brands were quick to dismiss him. But we actually discussed the possibility of the public forgiving him here.
And if we wanna take it a step further, we can ask more questions. For example, with the Balenciaga Adidas comeback, will that open room for an Adidas Yeezy return? That all remains wishful thinking, but who knows? Maybe manifesting a Yeezy comeback would end up becoming a reality at the end of the day! In the meantime, check out our blog for the latest news in the sneaker industry! Godspeed
