adidas Consortium x Sneaker Politics

Since opening its first store in 2006, Louisiana-based store Sneaker Politics has played a pivotal role in putting the Pelican State on the sneaker map. This month, to commemorate both the opening of their new store in New Orleans and the festivities that will take place across the city, adidas Consortium and Sneaker Politics present a Mardi Gras-inspired Gazelle PK.

Sneaker Politics New Orleans opens its doors during the city’s busiest month. For a fortnight in February, over one million visitors will join locals to celebrate Mardi Gras: a vibrant carnival to mark the beginning of Lent.

Given that New Orleans is among the world’s most colorful cities, it was guaranteed that this model was going to be bold, but thanks to Sneaker Politics it also comes accompanied with a history lesson. In 1892 The King of Carnival, leader of one of the oldest and influential Mardi Gras organization’s today, declared the krewe's colors: purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. On the Gazelle these colors are combined to form a distinct pattern in its Primeknit upper.

Central to Mardi Gras tradition is the baking and eating of the King Cake, a large, round cake topped purple, green, gold and white frosting. Together these are the constituent colors. But the King Cake also serves as the inspiration behind the material-based decisions; the inclusion of the gum sole is not purely practical – stains are less obvious than on white – but also a humorous nod to the dough of the brioche itself.

In their first collaboration with adidas, Sneaker Politics has come up with a stylish, a royal shoe based on a strong backstory. It pays homage to Mardi Gras’ past and present, but it is also a model versatile enough to be worn in all circumstances. The Gazelle is having a real moment and this Primeknit version will be a hit with sneaker enthusiasts seeking both a strong degree of heritage and modern technological innovation.

 Now with that said: “Laissez les bons temps rouler - let the good times roll!”