Smudging the line between fine art and commercial art are some recognizable names like Andy Warhol and Takashi Murakami. By infusing commercial elements with fine art techniques, these artists consistently strive to redefine and challenge what constitutes “higher” aesthetic — are they a production of our skewed social constructs or do they intrinsically provide elevated value? While that answer remains a debate, and rightfully so, newer gen artists are adding to the discussion with their own take on fine art for the masses.

Melting Sadness (MTSS) is one such Chinese label by artist Zhang Quan that borrows the ubiquity of animation to diversify viewers of gallery art. Wanting to create pieces that intrigue the inner child and outer child, that is, actual children — MTSS’ style is characterised by a family of whimsical cartoon-like characters, showcasing that growth does not mean forgoing a wondrous outlook. This has been clearly transferred onto the label’s sneaker collaborations with adidas, which saw the Three Stripes’ shoes take on a melted ice cream look and even bee-like antennas extending from the upper.

Melting Sadness has been one of the Trefoil’s favourite to return to, given the consistent revival of their collaborative relationship. This Fall 2022 is no different, as we see 10-piece Melting Sadness x adidas sneaker return.

You read that right. 10 sneakers based on adidas’ classic Superstar silhouette has spawned from the surreal Utopia of Melting Sadness, with a storyline to boot. Starting from a rabbit hole in the jungles of the fantastical realm, Melting Sadness’ bunny KARORO finds himself in a cave covered with petroglyphs — records of the rabbit families of the past. Among these carvings was the valuable carrot weapon, and when KARORO and his friends touched the drawing, their world started to morph into one that looked suspiciously like that of the cave art…

A RPG-like spin on the traditional Alice in Wonderland sequence, the Superstars take on fairy tale upgrades. Think Boot-like Superstars, long rabbit ears extending from the upper and hardware buckle straps. On each pair, the Trefoil logo on the heel undergoes a Utopian metamorphosis, looking like the alien sibling of its original. While some pairs take on shaggy suedes to represent the surreal primitive jungle, others are printed with rabbits, flowers, carrots — subtle design elements that add a touch of whimsy to every pair. You’d easily find such design elements on game characters, but Melting Sadness has brought these shoes to our plane of existence!

As if a 10-pair series, which includes limited edition Superstar 80s TR shoes, wasn’t comprehensive enough, this MTSS x adidas capsule comes complete with an apparel collection. Collision of colors and texture is the name of the game, with tees and outerwear taking on earthy tones to express topographical landscapes. Corduroy material blankets most of the collection, an apt choice for a Fall/Winter launch.

Items in this Melting Sadness x adidas collection will range from RMB499 (~US$70) to RMB1299 (~US$182). Four pairs will first land on adidas CONFIRMED on 30 September, and the rest will subsequently launch in October. Stay tuned to our page for the latest details!

In other nature-esque collaborations, HAL STUDIOS has turned the ASICS GEL-1130 into a mini forest.