While athletic wear and luxury garments seemingly exist in different spheres, the contiguous relationship between the worlds of sports and fashion has long been undeniable. Across the runway, in publications and on the streets, it is clear to all that sportswear has transcended beyond simply being functional clothing to break a sweat in.
Today, there is an added emphasis on design and concept, catapulted by dynamic patterns, bold colours and high-octane visual campaigns. This is further catapulted by a steady influx of collaborations with fashion houses over the last decade, with many of these big luxury brands offering quality fabrics and contemporary silhouettes that reflect a lifestyle where fitness can be glam and desirable.
Most recently, Balenciaga collaborated with American sportswear brand Under Armour for a capsule collection that reimagined wardrobe basics. First seen on the brand’s cruise 2025 show in Shanghai, China, the collaboration saw muted tracksuits, hoodies and sweat shorts, each boxy and voluminous in typical Balenciaga manner, emblazoned with the recognisable Under Amour logo. This however, was not a first for the brand, which saw a similar partnership just two years ago (2022) with German powerhouse Adidas. That same year, Adidas had done separate collaborations with Prada and Gucci as well, cementing its status as a household name within the fashion crowd.
Below, Vogue Singapore takes a trip down memory lane, revisiting several of the most memorable fashion and sportswear collaborations in the recent years.
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Nike x Sacai (2015)
In March of 2015, Nike announced its collaboration with Japanese luxury brand Sacai. Under the NikeLab series, the eight-piece collection saw creative director and designer Chitose Abe reimagine classic Nike pieces, reinterpreting the heritage brand’s sportswear silhouettes through a feminine and contemporary lens. Deconstructed sweaters, hybrid windbreakers and technical skirts pervaded the capsule collection, fusing utility with technology and innovation.
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Victoria Beckham x Reebok (2019)
Drawing inspiration from her experience as a trained dancer, Victoria Beckham’s second collaboration with Reebok saw the worlds of streetwear and athleisure come together. “I designed each piece to make the wearer feel confident in their style without compromising on performance”, shared the English designer. This capsule collection had something for everybody, from oversized unisex outerwear to delicate sheer separates that paid homage to the ballet.
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Dior x Jordan (2020)
Stemming from menswear creative director Kim Jones’ love for sneakers, Dior’s collaboration with basketball shoe brand Jordan was one that took the social media and streetwear scene by storm. Beaming with signature tailoring and versatile everyday staples, the collection sold out quickly upon hitting the stores. With the Jordan 1 Retro Highs now going for tenfold the retail price on resale sites, this was widely considered one of the most successful fashion and sports collaborations to date.
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Gucci x The North Face (2020)
For the fervent Gorpcore fans, Gucci’s highly-anticipated collaboration with The North Face was one that celebrated glamping and the outdoors. With an extensive selection that included ready-to-wear, accessories, luggage, shoes, tents and even sleeping bags, the collection had something for everyone. The statement puffer jackets and fantastical campaign imagery were also a nostalgic throwback to the ’70s, its distinctive style synonymous with former creative director Alessandro Michele.
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Prada x Adidas (2022)
When Miuccia Prada first implemented the humble nylon fabric into her designs back in 1984, it was a groundbreaking moment—a showing of the fusion between luxury and practicality. Fast forward nearly four decades, and Prada’s collaboration with sportswear giant Adidas continues to push the boundaries of functionality within fashion. Falling under the brand’s sustainable Re-Nylon line, the collection sees traditional tracksuits and messenger side bags constructed entirely from recycled nylon fabrics.
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Adidas x Gucci (2022)
Following its collaboration with North Face, Gucci released another shortly after with Adidas. This time, the collaboration looked to tap into the authenticity and vigour of hip hop, street culture, and of course—sports. Classic athleisure silhouettes saw playful colour-blocking, along with a nod to vintage styles by way of logomania and flared bottoms. Suited for the summertime, the collection was a seamless amalgamation of comfort and style.
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Michael Kors x Ellesse (2022)
What happens when a heritage American fashion house and a luxury Italian sportswear label come together? Inspired by Tennis culture on and off the courts, the Michael Kors x Ellesse collaboration was one that took a spin on contemporary activewear. Relaxed silhouettes and cropped fits outlined the collection, in warm, saturated hues reminiscent of vintage clothing. There were also a myriad of accessories offered, from chunky sneakers to the brand’s best-selling Bradshaw bags.
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Nike x Jacquemus (2022)
If subdued yet chic is your cup of tea, chances are the Nike x Jacquemus drop in June of 2022 would have been on your radar. With a focus on versatility and ease of wear, the 15-piece collection saw elevated athletic basics in a palette of neutral tones. There was also a focus on size inclusitivity, as shared by designer Simon Porte Jacquemus: “We designed women’s athletic wear with sensuous details and neutral colors, and it was important for the collection to be accessible for all bodies.” The collaboration also saw a rendition of the signature Nike Air Humara sneaker, that later proved to be a fashion favourite.
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Balenciaga x Adidas (2022)
Released at the height of Balenciaga’s popularity, this collaboration cemented Adidas’s reputation within the luxury superhouses. Debuting on the runway of Balenciaga’s resort 2023 showing, supersized tracksuits, T-shirts and denim each received the signature Adidas three-stripe treatment. Accessories had a field day as well, with the brand’s Panta heels reimagined in a knee-high iteration and the Triple S and Stan Smiths featuring a worn-out effect. The collection satirises the corporate grind, punctuated further with the tongue-in-cheek campaign imagery that was shot against the backdrop of a high rise office building.
