From coastal cowgirls to cottagecore sprites, from blokettes to silver-haired zaddies, style tribes are still very much alive, but with the accelerating trend cycles of the post-internet it’s easy to let them pass you by. Luckily for us, adidas has teamed up with the fashion retailer Zalando to put together a handy guide, charting a path through the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fashion of 2023 and shining a spotlight on the “cores” that are destined for classic status.
Titled the A to Z of Streetwear, the adidas Originals x Zalando campaign takes us from the vaunted halls of dark academia to the neon-lit retro aesthetics of arcade core, via a “steal the look” style selection of adidas Originals icons. Want to live your best Moonrise Kingdom life in a scout core fit? Here’s a crisp white shirt with a pair of Gazelles and an outdoorsy rucksack. Prefer a loud, proud X-Tra look? Try a vivid green vest, paired with a cheeky peek at adidas Originals boxer shorts.
If you’re yet to find your tribe, then the campaign has you covered there, too. Shared alongside the A to Z of Streetwear, an accompanying video runs through some of the glossary’s highlights, from bubbly mermaid core to gothic styles conjured from the depths of WitchTok.
But what if you want to take your journey of self-discovery (dis-core-very?) offline, into the real world? Well, then, you’re in luck. On Thursday (September 28), adidas and Zalando will host a Berlin-based night market to celebrate the campaign, taking over the former Kiez cinema Colosseum in Prenzlauer Berg. Get tickets here.
Soundtracked by a talented lineup of DJs and performers – including Cho Room, Hanaby, Helina, and Lovefoxy – the event will also feature a range of A to Z-themed market stalls. These will offer activities including a Y2K beauty station, blokette-themed printmaking, arcade core gaming, urban fantasy comic drawing, witch core astrology, and kids core beads craft, plus fresh drinks, hot street food, and a few free surprises.
Tickets to the night market are free but limited, and need to be reserved via Resident Advisor.