Take a closer look at the ADIDAS ORIGINALS XBYO FW17 COLLECTION

The ADIDAS ORIGINALS XBYO FW17 COLLECTION launches this week, and this range of minimal yet detailed apparel deserves a closer look…

Though at first glance the new collection seems simple, the devil is in the details. The XbyO range is the result of a meeting of three minds, each experts in their own right. Renowned garment cutter Satomi Nakamura (of Comme Des Garçons fame) provided the pattern for each garment, designed to sit perfectly on the body when worn. Yamayo Textiles, a well-respected Japanese fabric mill based in Wakayama Prefecture, manufactured the densely-knit but flexible cotton jersey that combines a soft handfeel with great range of motion. And, of course, adidas itself provided the archive inspiration behind this collection of upgraded contemporary sportswear; even the signature cross graphic branding is based on a heel detail on the 1959 adidas Italia shoe, harking back to the first ever adidas Originals apparel range which sported the same motif.

The garments themselves are all classic athletic items, but each of them has been tweaked, upgraded and modernised to create a range that feels familiar yet new at the same time. Most obvious is the intricate panelling: this subtle embellishment is what makes the garments sit so well in three dimensions, while also adding visual interest in the form of angled or curved seams in unexpected places. Then, of course, there’s the unusual, considered cut of the garments. The tops are designed with a range of standard and elongated hems so that each piece can be layered perfectly beneath the others, while the pants come either cuffed or cropped to sit perfectly above your trainers. Pockets are cleverly incorporated into the seams of the tops so you can carry your stuff without ruining the sleek lines of your new garms. And the finishing touch for each piece is the branding, with the classic adidas Trefoil appearing on hem labels while the white or reflective cross branding takes prime position at the back neck of tops and pocket of pants.

The new ADIDAS ORIGINALS XBYO FW17 COLLECTION is AVAILABLE NOW with ADIDAS and select retailers. We’ve highlighted some of the key pieces below, pairing each garment with a modelled shot to give you a better idea of how each item looks in the flesh. Pick your favourite, then click on the banners to shop the full collection once it goes live on Thursday…