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Denim Tears and adidas Originals are kicking off a new multi-year partnership with two classic sneakers: the Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80. Founded by Tremaine Emory, Denim Tears is known for using fashion and product design to tell stories about African-American history and the wider African diaspora. For its first project with the Three Stripes, the label turns its attention to an everyday object with a much deeper cultural history.
Both sneakers feature full cotton canvas uppers covered in a red, black, blue, and cream plaid pattern inspired by the plastic bags commonly known as “Ghana Must Go” bags. The familiar checkered pattern has a complex history. The bag was first made in Hong Kong by a Chinese tailor in the 1970s, with the pattern previously used on scaffolding in Asia. From there, the bags traveled to Africa before making their way to the United States with African and Chinese immigrants. Today, they remain a familiar sight throughout New York’s Canal Street, where both communities continue to carry them. By bringing that familiar pattern to two iconic adidas silhouettes, Emory continues Denim Tears’ approach of using recognizable visual references to explore the histories and experiences of the African diaspora.
For Emory, the reference also speaks to the bags’ place in American culture. “I want these symbols to be seen as American, because they are,” he said. “The people who carry it are living here. They’re part of America, and what they do here matters.” The designer has also incorporated the plaid into Denim Tears’ own shopping bags over the past two years.
The two sneakers put their own spin on the shared design. The Superstar 82 features contrasting serrated Three Stripes, deep blue upper detailing, and an embroidered canvas heel tab, while the Stan Smith 80 opts for a deep green suede heel tab and perforated Three Stripes. Both are finished with metal eyelets, rubber tooling, and gold-foil adidas Originals and Denim Tears branding.
The Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 also introduce a new Denim Tears motif: the Sankofa symbol, appearing on both the heel and tongue. Originating from the Akan people of Ghana, the Adinkra symbol translates to “go back and get it,” representing the importance of looking to the past and reclaiming what has been left behind. Emory sees the symbol as another example of how Black cultural influences have traveled across generations and borders. The detail adds another layer of meaning to a collaboration centered on cultural memory and heritage.
Emory also expressed his appreciation for adidas’ history of working with influential designers, calling it an honor to join a legacy of long-term creative partnerships. “I look forward to Denim Tears adding to the story,” he said.
To introduce the collaboration, Denim Tears and adidas brought the sneakers back to their source of inspiration with a presentation on Canal Street in New York. The campaign features both silhouettes near the subway station, alongside a nearby building installation wrapped entirely in the signature plaid pattern.
The Denim Tears x adidas Originals Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 release exclusively at African Diaspora Goods, Denim Tears’ flagship store in New York City, on November 7th. Check out both pairs below.
Denim Tears x adidas Superstar 82
Release Date: November 7, 2026
Price: $180 USD
Denim Tears x adidas Stan Smith 80
Release Date: November 7, 2026
Price: $160 USD
