and wander x adidas TERREX – Inspired by the Outdoors For The Outdoors
We often find that brands are now looking towards nature more and more for inspiration. Be it colours, functionality, or materials, as fashion steps more into the outdoors, and trends point towards the mountains and trails rather than the runways of Paris, brands that are rooted within nature really start to shine.
To find out more about the adidas TERREX and wander collaboration head over to the adidas CONFIRMED App via the link HERE
and wander is the definition of the above statements. Headed up by co-founders Keita Ikeuchi and Mihoko Mori, the pair met when they were designers at Issey Miyake and bonded over their love for the outdoors. After their careers in the more contemporary side of fashion at Issey, the two designers would start and wander after they felt they could not find any product that fit their needs when out on their ventures into the outdoors, both functionally and aesthetically. This would birth and wander, the brand which helps bridge the gap between their contemporary background with their functional-first mindset while infusing Japanese design sensibilities.
and wander is undeniably one of the spearheads of the outdoor, gorpcore fashion trend. Effortlessly stylish whilst also being highly functional, the Japanese brand combines beautiful earthy colors with tasteful silhouettes and materials to provide something that can be worn every day, come rain or shine, and look incredibly stylish doing so. It’s clear to see that Ikeuchi and Mori harness their high-fashion background and implement this into and wander, creating a truly unique brand that fits its own universe entirely, whilst also orbiting the wider spectrum of the outdoor scene; It’s authentic. It has a purpose.
We are all for brands using fashion ingredients such as GORE-TEX membranes to make their garments more practical, although it’s these authentic ones that stand out amongst the new crowd of functional first brands. The brands that not only use nature as a driving force behind their vision but it’s embedded in their very DNA and everything they do. And when two brands like this come together, this is where we really start to see something special happen.
The two brands in question here are and wander and adidas TERREX, in their latest collaboration. adidas TERREX, the outdoor-focused branch of the German sneaker giant, adidas, offers its unmatched technology and experience and fuses this with and wanders style-heavy functionality for a release that tells a story of their shared passion for nature. This capsule combines everyday style, practicality for the outdoors, and responsible manufacturing to create a forward-facing release for others who share a similar desire to be one with nature.
Consisting of outerwear, accessories, legwear, and shoes, this comprehensive drop will have you ready to tackle the outdoors, regardless of if it’s the streets of your hometown or the mountains. With a deep narrative, using nature as a driving force of inspiration, it’s clear to see that both brands are well and truly intertwined with the great outdoors as much as they are in the fashion industry.
We managed to sit down with the and wander co-founders, Keita Ikeuchi and Mihoko Mori as well as Dorothea Schmuck, Senior Designer at adidas TERREX and Amara Martin Hidalgo, Product Manager at adidas TERREX to discuss everything about the release. From early muses to the final product, and how their love for the outdoors helped formulate this collection into a tangible and tactile release.
First of all, thank your taking the time to speak to us. What was the initial inspiration for this collaborative project?
Mori: We initially took inspiration from this short film titled "Powers of Ten (1977)," shot and directed by Charles and Ray Eames. The short film revolved around the theme of the relationship between humans and nature, and we expanded from there.
adidas TERREX: The initial inspiration for this collaboration was the desire to experience nature and a shared vision of inclusive adventure. This is why adidas TERREX has teamed up with and wander with a collaboration that will take hikers from city centre to mountain top and back again in style. The connection between human and nature has always been interesting to adidas TERREX. So the design inspiration coming from the ‘Power of Ten’ really complements this.
What were certain things that needed to be thought about during the process of designing this collection?
Ikeuchi: We wanted to respect what made adidas authentically adidas while keeping the and wander identity as prevalent in this collaboration. adidas has their own way of doing things, and we ourselves have our own approach to designing products, but thankfully, adidas understood this, which made it much easier for us to meet them halfway. It felt like we both respected each other's process and came to a perfect middle ground.
“The collaboration comes to live in a 3- seasonal approach: starting in FW22 with Micro, continuing in SS23 with Macro and moving on in FW23 with Connected.”
adidas TERREX: Both, adidas TERREX and and wander have a strong identity. In combining these identities, we supported the strength of each other and created outstanding aesthetic and functional products. The partnership with and wander was very collaborative. This helped to combine both worlds together and fusion it into one product that contains an interesting tension.
As a brand so deeply connected to nature, sustainability must be a priority. How has the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 taken these aspects into account?
Ikeuchi: As you can tell, adidas takes a lot of time and puts a lot of resources into developing their footwear products. In working with them, we found that their core value regarding sustainability aligned perfectly with our beliefs, so it almost feels like we just hopped on to add our own twist via coloring and detailing.
adidas TERREX: The combination of sustainability and performance was key when we updated the Free Hiker - For the first chapter of the collaboration in FW22, the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2’s upper is made with a high-performance yarn which contains at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic — re-imagined plastic waste, intercepted on remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing it from polluting our ocean. The other 50% of the yarn is recycled polyester.
In what way do adidas and and Wander share a similar passion for nature and the outdoors?
Mori: We share the same passion for nature and the outdoors, but our approach to design is fundamentally different. Take an adidas TERREX jacket, and you'll find that they have two models: one for trekking the mountains and another for strolling through the streets. Our products are designed so that they could be worn on both occasions, so it was refreshing to have worked with another brand that does things differently.
adidas TERREX: adidas TERREX and and wander share the same love and passion for the outdoors. For both of us it was a big focus was creating authentic and functional products for the mountains. adidas TERREX at the same time is focusing on protecting the outdoor-world. For example, by making sure that every piece in the collection has recycled content.
What is it about the outdoors that inspired both and Wander and adidas when it came to the product design of this collection?
Ikeuchi: We went back to the ideas in SDGS, and went ahead to develop our graphics based on what we found from that research process.
adidas TERREX: The product design of this multi seasonal collaboration was inspired by exploring the universal connectivity of humanity and nature. This connectivity in combination with our focus on sustainability really inspired us. The collaboration comes to live in a 3- seasonal approach: starting in FW22 with Micro, continuing in SS23 with Macro and moving on in FW23 with Connected.
and wander has a deep connection with the outdoors and the mountains – How does the adidas TERREX free hiker 2 model help to reinforce this narrative with nature?
Ikeuchi: adidas suggested the concept of sneakers that could be worn in places like The Long Trail in Vermont, so lightness and comfortability came first and foremost. More people have started to wear light sneakers over heavy trekking shoes in Japan these days, so the bounciness and flexibility provided by Boost technology not only made it comfortable for weekend hiking trips but also fit for weekday commutes to work. Although we thought adidas had fundamentally very different values in designing products, the philosophy behind adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 aligns with our values as a brand.
adidas TERREX: With our next iteration of the Free Hiker, we focused on creating a comfortable, technical and stylish hiking shoe that allow people to roam in the outdoors with confidence. Be it on small micro adventures or long backpacking trips.
In today’s day and age, people are requiring more function in their purchases. How does this collection provide this to the audience?
Mori: The materials themselves are not only water repellent, but light and flexible all at once, so each garment in the collection is very wearable in various situations. It would be best to wear and feel it yourself.
Ikeuchi: We're very particular about the materials we use for our seasonal collections, so we didn’t necessarily do anything special just because it is a collaborative project with adidas. It felt like an extension of what we do at and Wander, so it was no different from another day in the office, to be honest.
adidas TERREX: The collection is based on the vast knowledge and experience that the and wander Team and the adidas TERREX Team have. All materials were chosen to protect from the elements. Some pieces are protecting from rain, others from cold. All are constructed to allow for the best possible freedom of movement. The style of the pieces allow a multi occasional use. Therefore, this collection equips you for several different environments.
We are seeing the latest hiking gear now being used to tackle the streets of the city. Was it a conscious decision to make the collection fit for both worlds?
Mori: We didn’t pay any mind to what was trendy. We went ahead and did what we do best as and Wander.
adidas TERREX: With adidas TERREX, we always aim to create the best functional products to support our consumers to climb their personal summit.
It is interesting to see hiking gear worn in the cities. We understand the need for function not only in the great outdoors, but also in the city. Nevertheless, this did not influence us. We want to create highly functional and aesthetic products.
“We didn’t pay any mind to what was trendy. We went ahead and did what we do best as and wander.”
How has the technology of adidas helped to create a highly functional shoe fit for the and Wander universe?
Ikeuchi: Unsurprisingly, adidas’ technology is quite amazing. Not only do they possess the cutting-edge of technology, but all the people are so knowledgeable in their particular fields. They’ve just accumulated an insurmountable amount of know-how as an organization.
adidas TERREX: The new snug, sock-like fit hugs your foot and adapts to your movement, the Continental™ rubber outsole provides a reliable level of traction. And the BOOST cushioning offers plenty of comfort and incredible energy return – The combination of our pinnacle technologies create the perfect hiking shoe to help you get out there.
For this collaboration, you used some advanced materials for the very first time. Could you elaborate on the selection process and reasoning behind picking certain materials?
adidas TERREX: At adidas TERREX we believe in protecting the planet as well as creating functional gear. This lead us to most of our material decisions. For all 3 chapters, we tried to find the most innovative materials we have available that also link back to the story being told. For example, in this first chapter, which is focusing on Micro and the humanity, we choose to mainly work with recycled polyester for the whole head to toe look.
You mention how you both worked for ISSEY MIYAKE as designers prior to launching and Wander. What are some key lessons you’ve learned from there that live in your practice today?
Ikeuchi: We both started working at Issey Miyake right after graduating college, so we learned everything about the basics of designing from working for the company. We still make clothes and that aspect hasn’t changed since we got started in this creative field, but the clothes we make cater to the outdoor crowd. We apply the basics to create clothes that we like.
In nearly 10 years of putting out fashionably technical pieces, what are some things that are very different from when you first started in the design process?
Mori: We definitely have more options to pick from. But I do have to mention, although we have more options to pick from materials to the clothes we make, our mission hasn’t changed. We’ve always envisioned creating full seasonal collections and released camping gear which we always wanted to since starting this brand, so although a lot of things have changed around us, the passion remains.
Beyond the resurgence in popularity of technical garments, durable and long lasting clothing has become more important than ever. How do you think this sentiment will evolve in the coming years?
Ikeuchi: Style preferences change with time, so we ourselves don’t know how it will evolve, but we also think that the convenience and functionality aren’t something that’s going to go out of style any time soon. Once you learn how well a certain jacket repels water or how easily a bag stores your items, the body adapts to the functionally designed products. Although time will dictate what’s fashionable, functionality in its most fundamental sense will never go out fashion.
adidas TERREX: Sustainability has always been a focus for us and is also rooted in our purpose that ‘through sports, we have the power to change lives.´ When creating this collection together with and wander, it was very clear for us that we want to create products that protect our planet and the nature. This is why the collection of this collaboration is not only inspired by nature and humanity but is also made with recycled content.
How would you describe Japanese hiking/outdoor culture? What makes it so unique?
Ikeuchi: I’m sorry if it seems like I’m dodging the question, but I just wanted to say Japan’s hiking/outdoor culture wasn’t as unique not so long ago. When I was younger, I was inspired by American and European hiking/outdoor styles. I only ever dreamed of Japanese hiking/outdoor styles being as successful and well regarded as how American casual style developed in Japan. So, being asked this question after so many years of dreaming, it’s quite mind blowing that we’re starting to get the same recognition. I just wanted to share how happy I am to be asked that question.
More so than other cultures, the Japanese seem more fond of outdoor leisures, creating unique sensibilities for this genre of fashion. Merging the best of two worlds, how does and Wander differentiate itself from the rest?
Mori: We don’t necessarily try to differentiate ourselves from our competition, but if we have to put a finger on why we are different, I would say it comes down to how we put an emphasis on enjoying the process of designing.
Intro: Joe Goodwin
Interview: Kensuke Kitamura & Joe Goodwin
Photography: Natsuki Ludwig
Special thanks to Keita Ikeuchi, Mihoko Mori from and wander as well as Dorothea Schmuck and Amara Martin Hidalgo from adidas TERREX.
