adidas debuts first collection with Thebe Magugu
International sportswear and lifestyle brand adidas has partnered with luxury South African fashion brand, Thebe Magugu for their first collection. This collection features abstract artworks made in collaboration with fine artist, Phathu Nembilwi. Known to draw inspiration from his childhood and the women whom he looked up to, this collection sees Thebe’s mother, aunt and grandmother, and the theme of femininity, interwoven with leading adidas material technology.
Previously, the LVMH winning brand collaborated with adidas for a CSI initiative of masks during South Africa’s COVID-19 response. This August, their first collection is inspired by African heritage, inclusivity, and kinship. Powered by adidas and Thebe’s passion for inclusivity, this function-meets-fashion female collection includes modesty swimwear, inclusive sizing in sizes XL to 4XL and gender-neutral pieces.
The FW22 collection spans across sports including Running, Swimming, Training, Tennis, Football, and Cycling alongside a set of casual lifestyle garments. Of the collection, Thebe Magugu expressed, “I’m infinitely inspired by the energy of the women in my life and the heritage of my native land. Bringing together such personal stories through design and blending them with adidas’ iconic performance and lifestyle pieces has been an amazing process. The collection really celebrates all the positive influences around me, and a sense of community that is so important to me. I hope it inspires the same joyful feeling in those who wear it.”
Specific to the Tennis pieces, Dana Mathewson, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger Aliassime and Daria Kasatkina will premiere the garments during a hardcourt tournaments season. “The Tennis pieces will be worn by world-renowned players during one of the sport’s most iconic tournaments this summer – I am proud to play a small part in championing the sport and helping to make it more inclusive,” Thebe divulges.
In addition to the performance pieces of this collection, the statement Originals looks include the Originals Crop T-shirt, in white and semi pulse lilac, delivering classic streetwear style, and the Originals 7/8 Leggings. Iconic adidas footwear silhouettes like the Stan Smith, Nizza Platform, Astire, and Forum footwear are also getting the Thebe Magugu signature print treatment. In their effort to end plastic waste, this collection’s hero styles and pieces have been created using recycled materials.
The adidas x Thebe Magugu Mainline Drop 1 collection will be available from 1 August 2022 for adiClub members early access at adidas.co.za, and to all on 15 August 2022 at adidas select stores and online. Prices start from R649 – R2499 and sizing from 2XS – 4XL.
Hero pieces within the collection spanning performance and Originals include:
adidas x Thebe Magugu Swim Hijab: The Swim Hijab is made from chlorine resistant fabric that's ultra-flat, lightweight and chlorine resistant. It also comes with an adjustable inner cap to ensure hair is kept tucked away and an outer layer that provides full coverage.
adidas x Thebe Magugu Fast Jacket: The Fast Jacket features bold graphic features and a smooth woven fabric with a lightweight feel for fast running and racing. It also has a water-repellent finish to help shrug off light rain. The jacket is made in part with 100% recycled materials Parley Ocean Plastic.
adidas x Thebe Magugu NMD: A true representation of style intersecting with performance. The Originals NMD Trainer mixes top-tier athletic technology with everyday style. Combining street smarts with green credentials, for cafe lounging, daily pavement pounding and gym work, or whichever activity is desired, the NMD is all about holding the pace of the daily grind.
The second drop of the season in October 2022, features the Thebe Magugu Bird of Paradise plant print that represents the idea of unbridled joy and freedom, which unites with adidas performance technology such as the boost midsole, in a yoga look alongside the revival of the button-down jogger and statement tee.