In this, the final issue of Felicity, Japanese designer Kazuki Kuraishi looked at the very origin of his adidas Originals by Originals initiative by embarking a personal journey to see 9 of his favorite British creative types. A voyage of self discovery, each of the 9, like graffiti artist Cyclops and designer Kenneth Mackenzie, have contributed indirectly as Kuraishi’s muses. Meanwhile, friends like Stone Roses former frontman Ian Brown, served as mentor to the young designer. Through the span of interviews and photos, readers get the opportunity to see a range of upcoming merchandise from adidas Originals by Originals Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. Felicity 004, the mook series’ last issue is currently available at bookstore and magazine stands.

Pristine and untouched since the days of industrial revolution, the misty valley and rolling hills of Darwen, England gave inkling to designer Kazuki Kuraishi upon his recent visit. The result was the Darwen for adidas ObyO Collection. A reinterpretation of the popular ZX 700 running shoes, the Darwen fused elements of traditional hiking boots along with technical upgrades like heel tape details, leather pulls and hybrid upper of mesh and suede. To be available as part of Spring/Summer 2011 offerings from the adidas Originals by Originals Kazuki Kurushi line, set to launch in the coming weeks.

Style: G43812
Color: Light Clay/Drift Wood/White

A curious expression of creativity happened while designer Kazuki Kuraishi scanned through adidas Originals archive sometime ago. That became the adidas ObyO ZX Mocc, a cross-over of adidas Originals ZXZ ADV running shoe and the favored Moccasin styled work boots seen today. Supple and plush suede, intersected with swatch of premium leather and hint of Highland tartans, the concoction then pieced together with the classic ZXZ outsole.  As an added bonus, the oversize eyelets are each laser etched with the finishing details.  To be available as part of Spring/Summer 2011 offerings from the adidas Originals by Originals Kazuki Kurushi line, set to launch in the coming weeks.

Style: G43839
Color: Dark Cinder/Dark Cinder/White

Style: G43838
Color: Collegiate Silver/Collegiate Silver/White

Pristine and untouched since the days of industrial revolution, the misty valley and rolling hills of Darwen, England gave inkling to designer Kazuki Kuraishi upon his recent visit. The result was the Darwen for adidas ObyO Collection. A reinterpretation of the popular ZX 700 running shoes, the Darwen fused elements of traditional hiking boots along with technical upgrades like heel tape details, leather pulls and hybrid upper of mesh and suede. To be available as part of Spring/Summer 2011 offerings from the adidas Originals by Originals Kazuki Kurushi line, set to launch in the coming weeks.

Style: G43812
Color: Light Clay/Drift Wood/White

Not too long ago, we shared the new adidas Originals by Originals Kazuki Kuraishi GIPFEL in grey black and blue, and now we have a more opulent Cardinal colorway available for Fall/Winter 2010 as well. The basketball-inspired high top is now reworked in a mix of tan seude, white leather and gorgeous wine-colored leather accents on lace placket, toe and heel. Kazuki’s signature heel tap comes in a “Gucci” colorway of red and green, and the slim leather tongue tag is now rendered in red. Opt for the the sportier version from before, or the dressier cardinal. The shoes are available at select retailers now such as TGWO.via: SDG

For the bright-eyed, minimalist urban hiker, Kazuki Kuraishi had injected the popular hiking, outdoor-inspired footwear trend with his own take on muted subtlety and contemporary relevance. The new Darwen from his collaborative line with adidas Originals, adidas Originals by Originals Kazuki Kuraishi (kzk), is a decided matrimony between hiking boots and street sneakers. The new Darwen features a mix of off-white suede with matching mesh panel and tongue. The ankle collar has been puffed and piped with brown leather which matches the slim embossed tongue tag and stripe of Kazuki’s signature heel tape for the hiking color reference. The lace eyelets are built to last in metal, and the top eyelet has been replaced with traditional hiking lace hook. Clean, trimmed and decidedly more urban than your regular hiking sneakers, these should strike a chord with those who love a good outdoor reference.via: SF

Marrying late 80s basketball style with Japanese street sensibility, Kazuki Kuraishi had brought a new silhouette, the GIPFEL into the adidas Originals by Originals family for his adidas ObyO kzk line-up. The old-school basketball high-top shape engages the adidas Torison and Softcell technology for added performance and comfort. The colorway for fall marks a mix of grey nubuck, black leather with indigo accents on tongue and ankle, and mesh. The shoes are tagged with Kazuki’s signature heel tape (found on all adidas ObyO kzk shoes). Perfect for those who love a good pair of high top sneaker boots, these are available now at select retailers such as The Good Will Out as well. images via: SDG

For the second part of Fall/Winter 2010, Kazuki Kuraishi returns to his adidas Originals by Originals Kazuki Kuraishi (kzk) line with renditions of what are already popular classics in his collection– two new colorways of the Felicity Campus 80s and a new sturdy hi-top sneaker basketball boot, the Gipfel Leather. The Kuraishi’s simple take on the Campus 80s has been raved and beloved by sneakerheads who enjoy simplicity and a little purist touch in terms of aesthetics, and has even been reworked into a more affordable version for adidas Skateboarding. This season, the Campus 80s get a little touch of color for fall with the help of WHIZ, whose front man Shitano Hiroaki is also Kuraishi’s friend). The upper is crafted from a buttery pigskin suede and splashes of contrasting colors such as bright yellow are applied to a fall appropriate red, and blue and pink become fitting buddies in a new palette. The collaboration Felicity Campus 80s comes double branded, and features the signature heel tape and molded sock liner, and not to mention, these match the Varsity Jacket from the collaboration as well. Last but not least, the earth-toned Gipfel should be a hit with those who fancy a little outdoor boot vibe with their classic basketball kicks. These are dropping on October 10 at select retailers alongside the apparel, so keep an eye out for them!