adidas and renowned Boston retailer Concepts, are taking their long-running partnership to the next level, launching the first-ever, co-curated, adidas-exclusive boutique – adidas x Concepts. Located at 73 Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts, the three-stripe-only, streetwear emporium is the latest addition to Newbury Street’s lineage of high-enAd specialty stores, eateries and galleries. Opening on August 25, 2017, adidas x Concepts launches a fresh approach to collaborative retail, introducing a long-term yet ever-evolving partnership that will defy the overused ‘pop-up shop’ model, now commonplace in the consumer landscape.
adidas x Concepts—a premium destination for the passionate, streetwear connoisseur—will house lifestyle and performance product for men and women, culled from the many categories and collections that span across adidas. Iconic franchises from adidas Originals such as the NMD, EQT and Samba hang alongside coveted sport models including the Ultra BOOST, the Alpha Bounce and Harden—each carefully selected and appointed by the Concepts team.
Elsewhere in the minimalist, sparsely-designed, 1200 square foot space, sneaker enthusiasts can experience innovative, pinnacle product from the brand with the three stripes, including: sought-after YEEZY styles; footwear from adidas’ longstanding collaborations with designers including Raf Simons, Rick Owens, Stella McCartney and Kolor, among others. Created with unique design elements to inspire Boston’s streetwear community, adidas x Concepts invites fans to make discoveries, build intimate connections with adidas styles, and gain a unique experience that unites elements of design, music, art and architecture—all filtered through Concepts’ signature aesthetic.
Concepts has influenced street and skate culture from its beginning in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1996. Since its inception, it has become known as one of the greatest and most credible retail spots for collaboration projects, import fashion, sneakers, and for an overall shopping experience not commonly found in the United States.
From the street, a descending staircase leads consumers down to the adidas x Concepts storefront. A unique, sonic experience creates a seamless but distinct transition from the outside world into the store, while, illuminated, raw metal screen doors project a custom designed, Celtic, Boston-inspired pattern that interprets the union of the adidas and Concepts logos—exclusive to this location.
Inside, shoppers are greeted by a series of increasingly narrowing sheet-glass archways—each illuminated along their edges—to create a uniform, glowing effect that draws customers further into the boutique. This funnel-like progression of glass and lighting design creates a cloister-like passage, dividing the shop-floor into different areas. The resulting alcoves create distinct spaces, each housing separate, merchandised assortments and collections from across the adidas brand, presenting footwear and apparel designs as if floating in mid-air.
As streetwear fans continue to explore the adidas x Concepts boutique, they arrive at the final back area, a celebratory space for the adidas devoted, showcasing a sneakerhead’s most coveted footwear. A one-of-a-kind, interactive projection mapping display will help tell the story of the featured product, from the newest release to rare and archival adidas footwear models culled from the brand’s storied past. In future months, this back room will host a rotating series of in-store experiences, including art installations; DJ performances; and events that celebrate the intersection of sport and culture.
all images courtesy of adidas