Yohji Yamamoto's collaboration with Adidas, which eventually led to the creation of the Y-3 brand, is a landmark moment in the intersection of high fashion and sportswear. The collaboration officially began in 2002, but its roots trace back to the early 2000s, a time when the boundaries between luxury fashion and streetwear were beginning to blur.
The FW 2001-2002 season is significant because it marks one of the earliest instances where Yamamoto’s unique aesthetic began to intertwine with the world of sportswear, foreshadowing the eventual partnership with Adidas. Although Y-3 as a brand hadn't been officially launched yet, this period laid the groundwork for what would become a defining collaboration in fashion. Yamamoto’s designs during this time were characterized by his signature use of black, innovative tailoring, and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, all of which would later influence the Y-3 collections.
The editorial shot by Paolo Roversi for this season captures the essence of this budding collaboration, where the stark, poetic imagery hints at the innovative path Yamamoto and Adidas would soon embark upon together. The dark, minimalist aesthetic of the photoshoot reflects Yamamoto’s ethos, while the subtle incorporation of Adidas elements foreshadows the impending union of high fashion and sportswear that would redefine both industries.
