Have you ever wondered what would happen if an iconic sports brand collaborated with an actual real live icon? Well, the result is orange, burgundy, white and inclusive.
The Ivy Park that has graced the Topshops around the world since 2016 was created to ‘support and inspire women’. You only have to hear the drums bashing out the introduction of ‘Run the World’ as you’re getting on the bus on your daily commute. The walk down the aisle to find a seat goes from an embarrassing fumble, as you bash your way down the aisle, apologising after clumsily stepping on someone’s foot, and knocking over another person’s bag… to you strutting down the catwalk in a parade of female empowerment. Because ‘Who runs the world?’ as Bey says herself; ‘Girls!’.
With the sexy curve-skimming A-symmetrical dress, high-leg bodysuits and practical sports bras, there is no denying the message of female empowerment is still deeply rooted in the collection. As Queen B herself reminds us in many of her songs, as females, it is vital we remember our past; Respect and be thankful for what those courageous women have done for us and our rights. We’ve gone from our sex meaning we are literal possessions, to our sex providing the world with Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, Kris Jenner, Britney…to name but a few! The collection celebrates this female empowerment in all its forms. The bootylicious bright orange cycling shorts paired with fierce sock-boot stilettos and a matching cropped vest that clings in all the right places celebrating our girly femininity. The baggy burgundy boiler suit with the orange Adidas stripes spilling down the front, tucked into boots, celebrating the more masculine side some of us have.
Beyoncé modelling some items from her adidas x IVY PARK collection
However, the collection’s significant number of gender-neutral designs is a refreshing type of feminism that we haven’t seen before. Bey explained,
“I focused on designing a unisex collection because I saw so many men in IVY PARK. The way they have embraced the brand is an unexpected gift”.
The athleisure collection includes oversized tracksuits, boiler suits, tops, jumpers and bags that are all made to appeal to both sexes. This is a bold move for the face of female empowerment. But perhaps this is less down to the actual issue of female empowerment and more down to the negative opinions of men that is something that has unfortunately become seemingly synonymous with feminism.
Beyoncé’s inclusion of non-gendered garments proves that you can empower women, and not exclude men from this empowerment; she hasn’t just given her brand a makeover, she’s given feminism a makeover. The empowerment of women should not mean the downfall of men, and Ivy Park donning the three stripes is a step towards this idea of equality fluidity; and Bey, we are so here for it.
Adidas x IVY PARK campaign ad
Words by Ella Winfield
Graphics by Katie Janes
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