China-exclusive Adidas Originals drop proves pet economy power

Along with photogenic desserts and curated outfit posts, furry friends are a surefire way to secure social media engagement. Adidas Originals’ pet-wear collection has been surfacing throughout fashion and streetwear circles over the past week — among other media covering the collection, Sneakernews’ post has racked up 30,000 likes so far. To the dismay of the rest of the world, it is a China-exclusive collection, designed so that owners can match their pets. In other domestic streetwear news this week, Shanghai’s Anar Football Club has teamed up with Shanghai streetwear brand Esoteric Thing (both also founded in 2020), on a merchandise collection championing Chinese culture. Finally, Feng Chen Wang’s latest Converse sneaker has been revealed. Sign up here to receive the Collaborations newsletter every Tuesday. China-exclusive Adidas Originals Pet collection Details: Trefoil pet collection, May 20 at Shanghai Anfu Road flagship store, online from May 25 Social context: Adidas Originals has only posted on Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote), where #adidasoriginals has 106.7 million reads. Users are posting photos of the collection in China and around the world already, but there is no official hashtag to track. Verdict: Adidas Originals’ foray into pet apparel and accessories through the Trefoil pet series aligns with China’s rapidly growing pet economy, which has seen double-digit annual growth as pet ownership and spending continue to rise among younger, urban consumers — the market is estimated to surpass 500 billion RMB ($51.8 billion) this year. The introduction of pet parent-child clothing reflects a deeper understanding of China’s evolving social dynamics, where pets are increasingly viewed as family members. This emotional framing resonates strongly with Chinese Gen Z and millennial consumers who seek personalized, expressive experiences — turning the act of dressing pets into a statement of identity online. By launching the pet series first at the official flagship store on Shanghai’s Anfu Road, the label has created pre-sale buzz, particularly as the neighborhood is a high-footfall, fashion-forward retail zone. Esoteric Thing x Anar FC Details: Collection, May 22 Social context: On Xiaohongshu, #Esoteric has 2.8 million reads, while #anarfc has 117,100. Verdict: The collaboration emphasizes unity by merging Esoteric Thing’s streetwear identity with Anar FC’s soccer culture, using shared symbols like the number “5” to commemorate both their anniversaries. Key products like the retro-style joint jersey incorporating fonts finished with diamantés, and limited “peace dove” colorway elevate the collection with intricate detailing and exclusivity, targeting both fashion-conscious consumers and soccer fans seeking collectible pieces. The collection spans a wide range of apparel, from sportswear to streetwear staples like hooded jackets and distressed jeans, maintaining Esoteric Thing’s retro aesthetic while aligning with the functionality required for soccer. It’s capitalizing on the surge of football fashion over the past few years, from Wales Bonner x Adidas, to Fenty x Puma. Converse x Feng Chen Wang Details: New colorway of two-in-one Chuck 70 sneaker, May 1 Social context: #Fengchenwang has 1.186 million posts on Weibo. On Instagram, the designer has 189,000 followers. Verdict: This collaboration is deeply rooted in the cultural legacy of Fujian’s Jian Kiln ceramics, transforming traditional elements like “Jianzhan” glaze and kiln crack textures into wearable art. The two-in-one design and layered deconstruction of the Chuck 70 silhouette exemplify Feng Chen Wang’s signature design philosophy. The four-part outsole not only enhances visual complexity, but also adds functional benefits like improved gait flexibility, blending avant-garde style with practical wearability. Textured fabric, retro smudging, and clay-like finishes simulate the tactile and visual richness of ceramic art, showcasing a sophisticated material palette. These tactile choices elevate the product beyond sneaker culture into the realm of art-object, further burnishing Feng Chen Wang’s credentials as a Converse partner.

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Adidas Originals taps Gen Z’s love for pet fashion

How Bottega Veneta weaved China’s forever it bag