• Y-3, the ongoing collaboration between global streetwear brand Adidas and Tokyo-born designer Yohji Yamamoto, was founded in 2003 when Adidas wanted to add a unique twist to its massively popular footwear line-up. The Y-3 brand derives from a bond between the two, with the “Y” signifying Yohji Yamamoto’s influence, the “3” represents Adidas’ infamous three stripes and the dash indicating the strong bond between the two. Although Yohji Yamamoto was already a respected name within the fashion industry, he has managed to transcend his star even further thanks to his collaboration with the streetwear giant.

Adidas, although hugely successful, needed a new range that sparked a fresh footwear dimension. They approached Yohji Yamamoto and the Y3 brand formed, providing a seamless diffusion between functional streetwear and unique design. Famed for his unique cuts and shapes, Y-3’s collections consequently began to churn out styles, shapes, and forms of trainer that no-one had ever seen before. The bridge between functional, sports-inspired footwear and fashion had been successfully established and Y-3 has since cemented its place in the fashion world, expanding into menswear and womenswear as well as opening a series of dedicated Y-3 stores on an international scale. These standalone boutiques have sprung up around the globe as the brand gains a global following and its fans clamour for the next collection.

Celebs Wearing Y-3

Of course, with international recognition comes the natural adorning of celebrities wearing the famed collaboration. David Beckham in particular is spotted with the Y-3 brand on regularly, alongside actor Tom Hardy and rapper A$AP Rocky all photographed proudly sporting the famous logo.  During the London 2012 Olympics, swimmer Ian Thorpe was presenting on the BBC wearing a Y-3 polo shirt. P Diddy (or Diddy, Puff Daddy, Puffy, Puff, Sean Coombs or whatever he goes by these days) is also a supporter of the brand and has been snapped courtside at a basketball match wearing an eye catching Y-3 hoody with his Nike Air Jordan Flight 45 Trainers. In 2010, footballing legend Zinedine Zidane continued his association with Adidas and became an ambassador for Y3.  The natural extension of fashion into sportswear was what attracted Zidane to the brand.