Last week, London played host to the adidas Originals EQT Creator Studio, a pop-up space from the Three Stripes that laid on a 7-day long programme of workshops, talks and live events from some the most exciting and innovative minds in the creative industries today.
From Jamie XX and Giggs opening things up on night one, through to Kojey Radical mentoring the next wave of lyricists, the EQT Creator Studio was full of game-changing moments.
In case you didn’t secure a spot, here’s five things we loved from the EQT Creator Studio.
Check out the shots below and head over to adidas.co.uk to check out the new EQT collection.
1. Giggs lights up the stage on opening night
Of all the musical talent that passed through the studio last week, our highlight came on night one as things kicked off with a unique double punch. The expansive mixture of Jamie xx and Giggs took to the stage and showcased the very best London has to offer.
That a packed and diverse crowd were able to connect with The xx frontman, tearing through a multi-genre DJ set, just as much as they were whipped into a frenzy afterwards by the Peckham rapper, speaks volumes on the eclectic creative energy within the capital at present. This was a special gift of two A-list names you probably won’t see on the same bill again for quite some time.
2. Kojey Radical mentoring the next wave of lyricists
Interactive workshops were also in order across the week, with Kojey Radical’s essential slam poetry workshop for young creatives being a real highlight.
The East London wordsmith shed light on his story, inspirations and essential DIY secrets behind his creative process, before challenging young guests to create a piece of poetry that addressed their own lives while drawing from different perspectives.
The session was aimed at helping people overcome fears and self-doubt, with Kojey Radical's closing statement "speak your truth and trust your journey" helping to inspire the next wave of lyricists.
3. King Cook's vegan revolution
Another highlight of the interactive workshops came early in the week when King Cook brought his kitchen to the EQT Creator Studio.
As owner and head chef of vegan restaurant CookDaily, King and his trusted team treated guests to a masterclass on essential nutrition, and invited attendees to take part in producing their own high-energy protein balls — with the aim of creating snacks that look just like the new EQT sneaker.
King was also on hand to share nuggets of wisdom on cooking, lifestyle and veganism throughout, mapping out his own creative essentials. This pop-up kitchen was a treat for both mind and mouth.
4. Steph Morris' amazing sneaker illustrations
As the week progressed and word about the EQT Creator Studio spread through London, buzz increased and visitors numbers swelled to the ‘open all day’ pop-up space, which housed an array of talented creatives throughout the studio.
Amongst these, illustrator Steph Morris blew us away with her hyper-realistic hand drawings of sneakers. Legitimately a spectacle that has to be seen with your own eyes to truly appreciate, she worked on a 20-hour A3 piece throughout her time down at the studio. Armed with a pencil and a winning combo of skill and patience, Steph existed as possibly the best example of “essentialism” throughout the week.
5. Nick Knight and Peter Saville drop knowledge
Before the doors closed on the pop-up space, adidas Originals and a packed room of guests welcomed two creative British legends: SHOWstudio founder and Kanye West-collaborator Nick Knight, and accomplished art director and graphic designer, Peter Saville, who co-founded the legendary Factory Records in 1978.
With both icons known for iconic work throughout the decades, their relevance, reinvention and staying power saw a packed audience bask in their presence. This was inspiration of the highest order.
