Tracing our Footsteps: exploring style and culture with the adidas SL72
Images by Tami Aftab. Charlize wears top + trousers by Sergio Tacchini, shoes adidas SL 72
Words by Dalia Al-dujaili
In the diaspora communities around the world, including those in Europe, North America, and beyond, trainers became more than just footwear for women; they became a symbol of cultural fusion and of the versatility of women’s style. Iranian, Libyan, Kurdish or Iraqi women embraced styles once reserved for sport––particularly men’s––as a means of expressing their unique identities while navigating the complexities of their dual heritage in their adopted hometowns from London to LA to Paris. Sneaker culture, which has blossomed since the introduction of the trainer as an item of exercise into something universally applied, transcends borders, making it a powerful symbol of solidarity and unity among women from different cultures and communities.
The iconic adidas SL 72 shoe, for example, was born from sport but evolved into a staple of streetwear. Introduced during the Summer Olympics in 1972, the adidas SL 72 combined a lightweight, retro design with traction features, which quickly became a pioneer in the realm of athletic footwear. Athletes and their choice of footwear have been a timeless influencer of style for generations, which has only grown in recent years with the rapid growth of women’s sport and women’s football. Arwa, a member of women’s hiking group Athene Club and a dedicated long-distance runner exemplifies the fusion of athleticism and style, saying that for her, “running is so personal and nostalgic.” Through her participation in sports and engagement with sportswear, she redefines notions of femininity and strength.
The rise of social media and digital platforms has further amplified the visibility of West Asian and North African women in the global fashion landscape. Women like Arwa and Charlize utilise these platforms to challenge stereotypes and showcase the myriad of styles within their cultural milieu. They’ve been able to create virtual spaces where women can celebrate their heritage while embracing contemporary markers of style and creativity.
Image by Tami Aftab. Charlize wears top by Sergio Tacchini, skirt by spfloe, jacket by This Uniform, shoes adidas SL 72.
Charlize Miradi, a 20 yr old aspiring designer based in London, has also been able to tap into her Iranian diaspora community in London, with whom she shares “a close bond over similar cultural experiences while also growing up in London as first generation Iranians,” she says. “It’s such a beautiful feeling having parts of my culture back home implemented into my life in London.”
Over the past two years, Charlize has been prioritising her health. She says exercising and running has always been something she was more afraid to do compared to other forms of exercising, “however running for me has been a thrilling escapism from everything happening in the world and society. Being one with my music and completely in the zone and feeling one of my most confident in that present moment,” she explains.
Touching on our shoot celebrating the SL 72 shoe, Charlize says it was inspiring to be surrounded by “amazing young creatives who are from my community and culture. Working on a shoot with SWANA women and being able to express myself with my familiar cultural jewellery and that being embraced is a really powerful feeling while shooting.”
As a Muslim hijabi woman, Arwa tells me she felt inspired working with AZEEMA on a shoot with adidas. “I normally feel uncomfortable and pressured to change the way I wear my hijab to “fit” in more,” she says, “but the team was super accommodating and accepting.”
Whether it's a pair of trainers poking out underneath a traditional abaya or dressing head to toe in a ‘70s adidas tracksuit harking back to a mid-century football era, the cyclical nature of fashion sees retro styles continuously finding their way into contemporary trends, bridging the gap between past and present.
The SL 72 is just one example of how a running shoe can evolve from the track to the street, with its nostalgic appeal and timeless silhouette now worn by the likes of Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid. Along its evolution, the shoe has taken on various adaptations through special collaborations and editions, displaying its versatility and ability to appeal to all audiences. More recently, it was rendered in multiple colourways as part of the adidas Originals collaboration with London-based designer Grace Wales Bonner, celebrating her Jamaican-English heritage while paying homage to the history of the shoe.
Whether it's the revival of vintage sportswear reminiscent of mid-century athletic attire or the reinterpretation of classic silhouettes, West Asian and North African women and diaspora communities alike are infusing their personal style with nods to their cultural heritage and history. As Arwa tells us, the rise of sportswear as style reminds us to, “Invest in your health and your wellbeing. You only get to live in your body the one time!”
CREDITS:
AZEEMA Agency Production
Creative Director - Jameela Elfaki
Creative Producer - Sunayah Arshad
Photographer - Tami Aftab
Photography Assistant - Jannell Adufo
Lighting Tech - Ella Costache
Production Designer - Haleimah Darwish
Set Assistant - Kash Odedra
Stylist - Jahnavi Sharma
Stylist Assistant - Jade Parker
MUA - Maha Al Selami
Hairstylist - Yasemin Hassan
Creative Assistant - Zaynab Lunat
Shoot Assistant - Taiba Al Nassar
Talent - Arwa Almisawi + Charlize Miradi
Styling Credits:
Arwa:
Look 1: Trousers - @unknownuk from archive / Top - @spfloe from (dyelogpr) / Jacket - @spfloe from (dyelopr) / shoes @adidas SL 72
Look 2: Trousers - @spfloe from (dyelogpr) / Top - @sanna.patrick from (Limitee) / Sweater - @wasteyarnproject / Shirt - @spfloe from (dyelogpr) / shoes @adidas SL 72
Charlize:
Look 1: Top - @sergiotacchini / Skirt - @spfloe from (dyelogpr) / Jacket - @thisuniform / shoes @adidas SL 72
Look 2: Trousers and top - @sergiotacchini / shoes @adidas SL 72