adidas‘ Samba and Gazelle silhouettes have blown up in popularity in recent years, but its close cousin, the Spezial (SPZL), will get a long overdue celebration in a new anniversary event in Blackburn, England.
Curated by brand consultant and longtime adidas collaborator Gary Aspden, DECADE will showcase the complete SPZL sneaker archive, unseen design sketches and inspirations going back to the original shoe in the ’70s, as well as a spotlight on apparel collaborations within the SPZL imprint over the past 10 years. To the untrained eye, the SPZL bears no striking differences from the Samba. But for the footwear connoisseur, the shoe’s narrower toe box, thinner and more flexible gumsole and array of color combinations has made this adi sneaker a timeless silhouette that similarly can be worn in virtually any setting.
The event will also feature special workshops, such as a five-day educational program by bespoke shoemaker, Blunt Shank; a Q&A with Gary Aspden and film director Nick Griffiths at the Darwen Library Theatre, along with performances from Shaun Ryders Black Grape with a DJ set from Mani of The Stone Roses on May 17 and Stereo MC’s the following day at Level 1. Complementing the party is a special SPZL DECADE book, as well as a collaborative SPZL x Nightsafe sneaker — limited to 100 pairs, with full proceeds benefitting Nightsafe’s mission of supporting homeless youth.
DECADE will be on view in Darwen, Lancashire on May 17 to 26.
14 Market Street,
Darwen, UK BB3 1AZ
