Back in 1988, the second summer of love saw acid house sweep through the UK and envelope the nation in a hazy cloud of euphoria. Come autumn though, the movement shifted indoors, as ravers infiltrating abandoned warehouses across the country to continue the party well into 89. Now, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of that ‘acid winter’, adidas Spezial releases its AW18 collection, which looks to the era for inspiration.

Featuring a series of classic styles that were widely popular in the mid-1980s, sneakers including the Munchen Super, the Gazelle, and the Marathon are updated for AW18 in innovative technical fabrics, while a series of sweaters, tracksuit tops, and anoraks bear archive prints and subtle Spezial detailing.

Alongside the collection, a new film by Nick Griffiths also makes its debut today. The short sees a group of boys wearing pieces from the AW18 offering hit the pub and head out in a van – presumably heading for a rave – as Tony Kreft narrates over the top of an acid house track (seriously, what else?). Kreft was an integral part of the rave scene in Blackburn, and organised some of the Northern city’s most legendary warehouse parties.. “You felt a sense of belonging, a sense of meaning, and basically, love, there was a lot of love,” explains Kreft in the film. “I’m glad I was there, I’m glad it was a part of my life. It’s something that I’ll have forever.”  

Rounding off the launch is a series of images shot by photographer Kevin Cummins. Also an integral part of the Northern music scene, Cummins has shot everyone from Joy Division and New Order, to Primal Scream, Happy Mondays, and The Stone Roses.  

Drop one of the two-part collection launches on September 7.

Watch the film below.