Published Thursday 12 September 2019 at 10:19
adidas has announced a limited edition Blackburn SPEZIAL trainer.
The new shoe will be launched at a SPEZIAL exhibition in the town next month – with tens of thousands of people expected to attend.
The Blackburn SPZL has been created by Darwen adidas designer Gary Aspden and is the lead release from the adidas Spezial AW19 range.
A special run of 200 will sport the Nightsafe logo – with all proceeds from the sale going to the Blackburn charity which helps homeless and vulnerable youngsters and will be exclusively available from the exhibition.
The green and red used in its design is inspired by the red rose of Lancashire.
Councillor Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
This all came out of a conversation during a chance meeting on the street in Darwen during one of Gary’s visits home.
Since then a lot of work has taken place behind the scenes and it’s just brilliant that the shoe and exhibition is now a reality.
I think that says a lot about the attitude we have here, making sure we grasp every opportunity.
There is a growing interest in Blackburn from some really talented people, like Gary.
Without a doubt the best creative projects are really driving improvements and now we have a global brand Adidas coming.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the town come to life and lots of different people getting involved.
We are also expecting some national and international visitors. Businesses will benefit and also Nightsafe is going to get another boost.
The adidas SPEZIAL exhibition will showcase the evolution of adidas footwear past and present in the magnificent Cotton Exchange.
It’ll be part of the first-ever British Textile Biennial – with Blackburn being a hub of events.
Curated by Gary, a brand consultant for adidas and designer of the SPEZIAL range, the exhibition features shoes from his personal archive alongside those of other fellow adidas collectors – 1000 pairs of adidas trainers.
Highlights of the exhibition will be numerous versions of the vintage adidas ‘City Series’ models with a full archive of the adidas SPEZIAL range giving context to a new City Series silhouette – the adidas Blackburn SPZL.
The adidas Blackburn SPZL is the lead release from the adidas Spezial AW19 range, and is named after the town where Gary spent much of his youth which has been a key inspiration in his work.
A full programme of events including gigs, talks and screenings will take place within the exhibition space, featuring special guests and friends of adidas.
All proceeds will go to the Nightsafe charity.
Hanon store will have a pop-up space in the exhibition retailing Spezial product.