Here’s What Went Down When adidas Originals and Zalando Brought Japanese Wrestling to Berlin
Sukeban’s show-stopping event blends the sport’s high energy with fashion and art.
Continuing their long-standing partnership, adidas Originals and Zalando reunited for its Spring/Summer 2025 campaign celebrating the impact of the sportswear brand’s rich low-profile sneaker range.
Titled “Step into the Spotlight,” the SS25 visuals are inspired by the spirit, vibrant palette, and style ethos of Japanese women’s wrestling league Sukeban with the message rooted in championing self-expression and individuality.
The season’s roll-out culminated with adidas Originals and Zalando hosting the wrestling league’s European debut. Following shows in New York and London, Sukeban flew to Germany from Tokyo for an evening that drew a diverse crowd of nearly 900 wrestling and style fans to the industrial Kühlhaus Berlin venue.
“When we decided to create this league, I looked at it from a gang standpoint—different rivalries. Originally, ‘Sukeban’ was a term for female delinquent gangs in ’60s and ’70s Japan — the female Hells Angels, if you will. They defied the patriarchy, wore long school uniforms to conceal weapons, and embroidered their gang names on their jackets,” the league’s creative director, Olympia Le-Tan told Hypebae in an exclusive interview in the lead-up to the event.
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The high-energy, and immersive wrestling event saw four teams competing including Ichigo Sayaka and Babyface from the Harajuku Stars, Midnight Player and BINGO from the Vandals as well as Atomic Banshee, Crush Yuu, and many more. From the show-stopping entrances and extravagant masks to the acrobatics in the ring and interaction with the crowd, the players emanated their infectious vibe as well as brought their signature blend of fashion, art, and eclectic style to the stage.
After the final bell rang, the after-party went on until the early hours with music led by Berlin-based DJ collective (lip) service supplying the soundscape through the night that continued the energy of the main event.
Check out the recap of adidas Originals and Zalando’s Sukeban in Berlin in the video above.
For more information and to explore the full SS25 collection, visit the Zalando website.
Event produced by Hypemaker, Hypebeast’s creative agency. Thank you to our product sponsorship partners, 1664 Blanc and Johnnie Walker Black Label.
