The concept of legacy within the Ivy League is a cornerstone of its brand, deeply entrenched in American culture and lore. For Edison Chen, founder and creative director of the renowned streetwear brand CLOT, this prestige has sparked a curiosity about the literal and metaphorical boundaries of such an esteemed fraternity. In collaboration with Adidas, Chen is set to redefine these boundaries with the adidas Originals x CLOT Pro Model Collection, a fusion of Ivy League collegiate style and streetwear innovation.
Chen explains, “For this collection, inspired by Ivy League collegiate style, there are so many different tones to it.” Despite never having attended university himself, Chen finds the world of academia mystical and magical, allowing him to approach it with a fresh perspective. “I’ve never experienced the classes, the seminars, the parties, the frats… So being able to approach it with a clean palette and imagine it in my own way is something that excites me.”
Blending Tradition with Modernity
The Ivy League, a term coined in the 1930s, originally referred to the ivy-covered buildings of the prestigious universities in the Northeast, known as the “Ancient Eight.” Chen’s latest venture seeks to reimagine this tradition by incorporating outdoor sports and activities, moving away from the conventional sports associated with elite institutions such as tennis, golf, and rowing.
Chen recalls his inspiration, “The whole ‘school’ concept actually came from being in the Palisades [NJ] and seeing local school merch. I thought, This is so offbeat, but so cool. Usually, you see UCLA or NYU gear, but this small town had its own thing—it felt refreshing and inspiring.”
His vision extends beyond traditional sports, proposing a novel concept: “What if we had an outdoor team at an Ivy League school? What would that look like?” This question led to the creation of pieces like the “hunting kimono jacket,” which merges the zen of outdoor activities with the traditional Ivy League aesthetic.
East Meets West: A Cultural Fusion
At the heart of CLOT’s design philosophy is the rhetoric of “East-meets-West.” The collection is about reclaiming and reframing tradition, interpreting collegiate dress codes through a blend of heritage and modern street ethos. Every piece, from the varsity jacket to the reworked Pro Model silhouette, reflects this fusion of cultures, eras, and creative disciplines.
“We’re focused on showcasing our talents as creatives. How do we ‘cook better dishes,’ so to speak, so that people recognize the quality of our work, not just the East-meets-West story behind it?” Chen elaborates. The collection challenges the definition of “classic” and broadens the scope of global style.
“We’re not just making sneakers, we’re making shoes. And that philosophy extends into our apparel as well—the way we approach design, the materials, and the craftsmanship.”
The collection is a testament to Chen’s journey from China to America, with the CLOT aesthetic shining through in textiles, garment design, and university patches. The “hunting kimono jacket,” a standout piece, embodies this cultural blend, offering a zen-like, outdoor feel that is both familiar and foreign.
Redefining Global Style
From the Stan Smith project to the Ivy League capsule, Chen’s work with Adidas represents a new iteration of what the Ivy League can symbolize. “I never really thought about Harvard or Yale or schools like that. The Ivy League is such a big part of Western entertainment culture—you see it in movies, in college basketball and football.”
Chen and the CLOT team have offered a fresh perspective on this cultural icon, recognizing the mutual benefits of blending traditions from different worlds. “It’s about designing something that feels both familiar and foreign at the same time, but in a way that’s comfortable and intriguing.”
The adidas Originals x CLOT Pro Model Collection, launching globally on November 15, 2025, promises to redefine ‘classic’ and expand the horizons of global style, inviting a new generation to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation.
