[Update 3 Jan 2023] Melting Sadness and adidas Originals’ “2023CNY” Pack has finally released on 30th December, and is now available on the adidas CONFIRMED App and several adidas stores in China. Along with previously teased pairs of ADIMATIC, two other Superstar designs have been released.

Posted on their Instagram, the Chinese-based label showcased two adidas Superstar designs which draws inspiration from the Year of the Rabbit. Arriving in both a pink and blue colorway, the Superstar prominently features a puff ball on the heels of each shoe, along with white fluffy materials lining the tongue and heel of the upper. The intricate all-over prints and black dots also represent the Chinese brand’s character KARORO.

While no official worldwide release has been announced yet, here are the official images of both the ADIMATIC and Superstar and stay tuned for any potential updates to come.

2022 saw the return of adidas’s ADIMATIC skate silhouette first introduced in the ’90s. Many colorways have arrived with HUMAN MADE, atmos, NEIGHBORHOOD, and XLARGE providing their own iterations. And Melting Sadness from China is ready to join the prestigious roster of collaborators. This time, for a sophomore effort with the Three Stripes following their last expansive 10-piece collection of Superstars.

At the time of writing, adidas hasn’t disclosed any information nor have they acknowledged the collaboration in any official capacity. Only the leaked images in the slider ascertains the existence of the pair.

It’s purported that it’s a thematic piece centered around next year’s Chinese New Year. Two colorways have surfaced in blue, the other brown. Aesthetically, Zhang Quan, the man behind the Melting Sadness, may have taken inspiration from his predecessors like Jeremy Scott and Takashi Murakami.

The former’s influence can be seen on the triple-winged eyestays that was once the hallmark of his signature line with adidas. As for the latter, the serrated graphics on the mudguard and heel heel is reminiscent of the mouths of some of his characters.

PRIMEKNIT seems to form the base layer of the upper adorned with various regalia like the above-mentioned. One hangtag closely resembles the Hamsa evil eye; another takes a page from motifs common in African artworks; and lastly, the bells that hang on the perimeter of the collar adds a rustic touch. Hollistically, the accessories give the shoe an otherworldly, whimsical spirit, rarely attempted on a sneaker. Rounding off the design is the clear rubber outsole, revealing a three-toed paw print.

There’s not much left to discern anything from apart from what’s depicted. While waiting for more information however, check out the Nike Air Jordan 7 Retro “Black Olive”. It’s not nearly as wild, but it’s still a unique pair.