adidas has been working with collaborators like Disney to bring Star Wars, Toy Story and other franchises to sneaker form for the past few years. Within the first four months of 2021, the German sportswear institution has revealed plans with The Simpsons and South Park, the latter lending the worrisome, but charming Towelie character for an adidas Campus 80s set to launch tomorrow, April 20th (420), in celebration of a beloved marijuana holiday.
When glancing at the collaborative pair from the sides, the “Chalk Purple/Footwear White”-covered proposition seems in-line with the two-tone adidas Originals styles to emerge in the last few weeks, but closer inspection reveals special detailing. For starters, the terrycloth-material that runs throughout the entire upper works in-tandem with the eye graphics embroidered onto the top of the tongue to nod to South Park’s genetically-engineered talking towel. The tongues’ undersides boast two of Towelie’s (not “Towlie”) catchphrases right above stash pockets big enough for nuggets of various kinds typically consumed on 04/20. Included keychains depict the sneaker’s inspiration in two states, which the eyes on the tongue also do when exposed to UV light.
4/20 is nearly here and adidas is more than ready to celebrate. Alongside the skunk-esque ZX 420, the Three Stripes is inviting South Park’s Towelie to spread the gospel of weed culture.
Rarely has there ever been a character so actively indulgent, using everything from marijuana to crystal meth. The anthropomorphic towel, which has made appearances throughout the TV series and subsequent video games, has toned it down a bit in recent years, however, as he’s presumed to only partake in Mary Jane and Mary Jane alone.
No better a guide for the mostly innocent adidas, Towelie is soon to transform from household essential to Campus 80, bringing along both his signature facial features and textures. Comparable to chenille at first glance, the towel-like material wraps most of the exterior, setting a baby blue base atop which the leather stripes and heel tab dress. Moreover, the tongue features his big, toony eyes, going from pure white to bloodshot depending on the lighting. Then, South Park branding meets the German sportswear label’s own at the insole.
