adidas and the Belgian streetwear label Arte Antwerp are launching a long-term collaboration—this marks the first time the two brands have come together for a joint project.
The adidas x Arte collaboration reinterprets contemporary sportswear silhouettes through the lens of street culture, shaped by influences from the African diaspora.
Inspired by Bertony Da Silva’s Angolan roots and European upbringing, the collection pays homage to untold stories and athletes from the diaspora whose influence has decisively shaped sports culture.
The goal of the collaboration is to honor this cultural DNA while further developing established adidas sportswear franchises through thoughtful designs and high-quality materials—all while remaining accessible to everyone.
To kick off the collaboration, a completely new model is being introduced: the Lightblaze POD. Following the release of the original Lightblaze earlier this year—a running-inspired lifestyle silhouette designed for 24/7 movement—the POD version is now available. Released in a limited edition in a monochromatic navy blue, it was previously unveiled exclusively for Family & Friends at a pop-up organized by Arte in Paris.
The Lightblaze POD is now available in a fresh all-white colorway—a fusion of classic and modern sportswear influences with technical and subtly formal elements. The campaign features Belgian former soccer player and longtime friend of adidas and Arte, Mousa Dembélé.
Textural depth plays a central role in the Lightblaze POD. Design codes from Arte’s Mainline Collection—elegance and minimalism—meet adidas’ athletic expertise. adidas Adizero LIGHTSTRIKE foam technology, combined with Arte metal branding, highlights the craftsmanship of the design.
Bertony Da Silva, Founder & Creative Director of Arte:
“The adidas x Arte collaboration will serve as a creative sportswear expression for Arte, blending our design philosophy with adidas’ rich DNA and athletic expertise. For us, however, this is more than just another sportswear partnership; it’s an opportunity to slow down in a fast-paced, trend-driven world and put substance back at the heart of design.
Our goal is to redefine sportswear—through refined, carefully crafted pieces that balance craftsmanship, culture, and performance. Our collections are meant not only to democratize access to high-quality design but also to bring to light the untold stories of European sports culture and the pivotal role of the African diaspora. Together, we want to set a new standard for what sportswear can be: thoughtful, sophisticated, and durable—starting with the Lightblaze POD.”
Aimee Arana, Global SVP & GM of adidas Sportswear & Training, adds:
“We’re thrilled to present our collaboration with Arte to the world—and we look forward to continuing this synergy in the coming seasons.
The designs remain true to the ethos of both brands: carefully crafted, durable products that aren’t driven by trends but offer affordable key pieces that perfectly blend the aesthetics of youth culture and sportswear.
Our sportswear category has always been driven by culture and made for the community it serves. The adidas x Arte range is no exception—it effortlessly creates everyday outfits with sophisticated details for consumers who live and breathe sports culture.”
More releases are coming in the months ahead, including an adidas x Arte Z.N.E. tracksuit and a full apparel collection celebrating the interplay of African heritage and European identity. The release date has not yet been set. Keep an eye on our sneaker releases.
Photos via adidas
