The adidas Gazelle has had waves of popularity since its inception in the 1960’s as a training shoe. Breaking into the scene as adidas’ first suede construction that rivalled the stiffer leather makings of the time, it found success in the handball sport during its debut. Subsequently, fashion icons through the 70s to 90s adopted the silhouette in their rotation, with notable names like Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and Oasis as famous proponents. Fast forward to present time, it’s clear that adidas’ collaboration with fashion house Gucci has propelled the Gazelle into the spotlight again.

While Gucci’s interpretation of the Gazelle saw the model swathed in feisty and vibrant colors that were distinctively retro, the shoe’s potential is seen differently through the lens of Y-3, the joint project of adidas and designer Yohji Yamamoto.

The latest adidas silhouette to be revamped by Y-3, the famed Gazelle is wrapped in a premium suede but swaps to a soft leather on the heel. The stitching employed to merge these two textiles is exposed unabashedly, as are the stitching on the Three Stripes. Strands of thread flank the silhouette, exuding a voguish rawness. This adidas x Y-3 Gazelle also comes complete with debossed Y-3 branding on the heel and Yohji Yamamoto in grey foil on the lateral sides.

Available in black and off-white, the adidas x Y-3 Gazelle is now available on Aphrodite for £249 (~US$300). For closer looks, check out the gallery above.

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