ADIDAS ORIGINALS BY WALES BONNER: THE RIFT VALLEY RUNNERS

adidas Originals and Wales Bonner return to present their Spring/Summer 2024 collection, celebrating the enduring legacy of East African runners and the great Rift Valley training camps in Iten, Kenya. The campaign tells a story of endurance through the lens of inspired journeys, focusing on the core principles of personal commitment – resilience, endurance and dedication – and how these attributes extend beyond the individual, informing cultural identity.

Recontextualising archival running looks for the present day through elevated materials, carefully considered prints and expressive patterns, the latest drop comprises bright tracksuits, colourblocked Three Stripes T-shirts, patterned shorts and timeless outerwear. Arriving alongside the ready-to-wear selection is a host of curated accessories including a reversible bucket hat and a suite of bags including a drawstring backpack.

Meanwhile, in the realm of footwear, Wales Bonner lends her distinctive touch to the SL 76. Renowned as an archival classic, the designer reworks the vintage mesh and suede runner in two colour combinations: yellow with black stripes and light blue with black stripes. Completing the collection are two variations of the Samba silhouette: the classic Samba in two colourways and for the first time, the Samba Millennium is introduced in two unique styles – one featuring a leather heel and the other with a blue pony hair heel.

Captured by photographer Vivianne Sassen, styled by Tom Guiness and brought to life by videographer Steven Trayler, the Spring Summer 2024 campaign is a journey through an immersive landscape featuring off-track moments and real-life experiences – capturing the essence of community and people supporting each other. The campaign’s cast includes East African professional runners, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Charles Simotwo, Cornelius Kemboi, Bethwel Yegon, Barselius Kipyego and Nelly Chepchirchir — each of whom are authentically connected to the sport and place — supported by a mix of street cast who expand the narrative to represent the wider community.