Looking Back at The BALENCIAGA X ADIDAS Collab. (FWC TBFashion)

As we reflect on the exciting collaboration that took place last year in November 2022, the partnership between Balenciaga and adidas continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts. The highly anticipated collection finally debuted six months after its initial reveal on Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2023 runway.

In May, a limited pre-order launch gave eager fans a taste of what was to come, with an estimated shipping date of November 22. The buzz surrounding this co-branded extravaganza reached new heights when Balenciaga confirmed the full release would take place on November 3 through their website and the adidas CONFIRMED app.

The excitement had been building steadily since mid-October when @myfacewheno_o, the anonymous Demna Gvasalia superfan with an impressive Instagram following, shared photos from inside the adidas x Balenciaga showroom. The glimpses into the collaboration showcased a range of eye-catching items, from co-branded tracksuits and Stan Smith sneakers to plush leather bags and the iconic Balenciaga Triple S shoe, which had already sparked awe and anticipation long before the collaboration was officially announced.

Among the standout pieces are Balenciaga’s signature oversized iterations of the adidas track jacket and the transformation of baggy track pants into a fashion-forward pantashoe. The collection also includes water bottles, jewelry, handbags, and a co-branded version of the iconic Stan Smith sneaker. The Stan Smiths, in particular, caught attention with their fabulously destroyed uppers reminiscent of Balenciaga’s intentionally distressed Paris sneakers, priced at a staggering $1,850.

It should come as no surprise that affordability is not the focal point of the Balenciaga x adidas collaboration. @myfacewheno_o exclusively revealed the collection’s pricing to Highsnobiety, and it certainly reflects the luxury status of both brands. Oversized T-shirts start at $795, soccer shirts and long-sleeved tees at $995, zip-up hoodies at $1,150, baggy jeans at $1,290, regular hoodies at $1,450, track jackets at $2,390, knife boots at $2,550, the adidas bomber at $3,050, pantaleggings at $3,250, and the Balenciaga x adidas padded bathrobe tops the price spectrum at $4,800. As expected, with prices like these, many items from the collection are still available on Balenciaga’s website.

Looking back, the Balenciaga x adidas collaboration showcased the creative fusion of two fashion powerhouses, generating an electrifying response from enthusiasts. With its distinct aesthetic and bold pricing, this partnership reminded us of the boundary-pushing nature of high fashion and the enduring allure of coveted collaborations.