The label Arte launches its very first collaboration, choosing adidas to mark the occasion. But who will actually be able to get their hands on it?
When Arte Antwerp, the Belgian label known for its artistic approach to streetwear, partners for the first time with adidas, the streetwear scene holds its breath. After more than fifteen years charting its own path, between galleries, workshops, and urban runways, Arte takes a decisive step: entering the world of running, previously uncharted for the brand. At the forefront, the adidas Lightblaze PO.
Presented in a monochrome navy blue, the design stands out with a laser-perforated leather upper, metallic details, and a midsole incorporating Lightstrike Pro technology from the three-stripe brand. Each element reflects a desire: to combine elegance and comfort, tradition and innovation. To accompany the design, Arte has imagined a Z.N.E. set, matching the pair, which plays on textures and perforations. Two pieces designed as a natural extension, where the garment becomes a reflection of the pair. In terms of finishing, the two partners reveal a reversible set, conceived as a nod to the dualities that traverse the collaboration. Between art and sport, between accessibility and rarity.
But beyond the technique and aesthetics, it is the question of accessibility that intrigues. Unveiled with a “Friends and Family” version, the Lightblaze POD is not intended for a global release, but for a select circle. A few personalities from the creative scene close to the label have already had the chance to receive their copy. For the general public, there is only one option available: the Instagram raffle.
Not for sale, for the culture
This is the mantra chosen by Arte and adidas. The pair is not conceived as a mass product, but as a creative manifesto. In a market where collaborations are multiplying, the two partners opt for a radical, almost elitist positioning: to create an object of desire that is inaccessible. Rather than chasing sales, the collaboration chases a narrative.
Photo credits: @arteantwerp (Instagram)
As a result, Arte has launched an exclusive contest on its official account. To try to win a Lightblaze POD, participants must follow a specific order: tag three friends in the comments, like the post, and share it in their story mentioning the account @arteantwerp. A draw will take place on September 5, 2025, at noon, with only one winner announced. While the mechanics are simple, they confirm the positioning of the collaboration: to maintain exclusivity while leaving a door ajar to the community. This draw appears to be the only concrete chance to obtain the collection.
Photo credits: @arteantwerp (Instagram)
However, for those hoping to discover the collection, a pop-up will be held in Paris on September 6, 2025, at 5 Rue Saint-Merri (4th arrondissement). Unveiled by Arte on Instagram with the mention “Paris, 06/09, not for sale, for the culture”, the event should allow a glimpse of the collection. But be careful. The details regarding the sale remain vague. Here, everything is designed for the experience and storytelling: touching the materials, observing the finishes, understanding the design philosophy. The pop-up transforms the collaboration into a cultural event, more than a commercial operation.
A second surprise drop
While the navy blue Lightblaze POD had already asserted the radicality of the collaboration, Arte and adidas reserve a new surprise for their community: an unprecedented white version of the pair. More minimalist, but just as refined. While the pair retains its laser construction and metallic details, it plays this time on visual purity. An assumed duality that reinforces the dialogue between sobriety and technicality.
Photo credits: @arteantwerp (Instagram)
But be careful, no classic raffle this time. This time, it’s a code system that becomes the entry key. Exclusive codes have been entrusted to personalities close to Arte and shared sparingly on Instagram. Following these creators, artists, and friends of the label becomes a must to hope to unlock access to the drop. Once in possession of a code, each participant can use it to cop their pair.
Photo credits: adidas Confirmed
With this second exclusive silhouette, the two partners push their approach even further: conceived as a community game, the selective distribution extends the philosophy “not for sale, for the culture”. Here, rarity is not just a marketing effect, it’s a language, a way to write a story where the community becomes an actor in the narrative.
How to stay informed about upcoming sneaker releases?
If you want to cop all the upcoming sneaker releases, download our WhenToCop? app! Don’t miss any release and get all your chances to cop your pairs with the list of retailers and links to sign up for all the raffles. Join us!
