Following on from the huge – and justified – hype that surrounded the return of the bruised banana design on Arsenal’s 2019/20 away kit, adidas launch a retro Originals collection that brings back all the nostalgia of the early 90s.
When news broke that adidas and Arsenal were once again partnering, attention immediately turned to the vast back catalogue that the club and brand share, with them together being known for some of the most recognisable jerseys in world football. And being that we currently find ourselves right in something of a 90s renaissance, where any nods to the era are greeted by huge approval, it is the perfect time for the pair to delve into their combined past, and that started with both the design for the 19/20 home shirt, but also – and more apparently – the 19/20 away shirt, which saw the return of the bruised banana design, albeit in a more subtle take.
Now adidas ride the crest of that wave, answering the demand in the most satisfying of throwback fashions, offering up a retro-inspired apparel collection under the Originals header. The full collection is made up of five individual pieces including the iconic ‘Bruised Banana’ jersey from the 91/93 season, a crew neck sweater, tracksuit tops and bottoms. That jersey though… it’s a complete like-for-like remake with short sleeves and a V-neck design that will satisfy fans past, present and future. If there were any complaints about this season’s kit offerings, it was that adidas didn’t bring back the iconic Trefoil branding logo, but all that is forgotten with its timely return here.
The crew neck sweater and track suits nod to the iconic gear that the likes of Ian Wright, David Rocastle and Tony Adams wore during the era, and they too are all adorned with the Trefoil logo.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright stated about the collection “It’s great to see adidas and Arsenal bringing back some of the iconic designs which were such a big part of my career in the 90’s. It is probably something a lot of the fans would have been hoping for once the partnership was announced. It made sense for the current away shirt to be inspired by the original bruised banana jersey and likewise to bring the old one back as well for a one off.”
The release is accompanied by a short film which includes a mixture of Arsenal legends from the early 90’s and current first team members from both the men’s and women’s squads, showcasing all of the products from the range.
The adidas Originals x Arsenal collection will be available from the 11 December at adidas.com
