We created a campaign for adidas Originals showcasing local Chinese creative talents that exemplify key pillars of the brand’s heritage and DNA: originality, creativity, and self-expression.

The campaign was executed via a video and photography series that captured the stories of Gi Ming’s fixed-gear bike crew, Kang Mao’s punk-rock band SUBS (杀不死), tattooist Zhuo Danting, experimental sound artist Li Jianhong, creative extraordinaire Edison Chen, and singer / songwriter / actor Eason Chan. The videos were placed online, in retail, and in taxi cabs, with photography assets used across all print media and retail in Greater China.

We worked with Shanghai-based photographer Ka Xiaoxi to produce the photographs for this shoot, which were shot on analog film in order to achieve a raw, gritty, and authentic feel.

Beijing Fixies, China’s original fixed-gear bike crew, chiefly consists of Gi Ming (季明), Wang Peng (王鹏), Tang Chenshu (汤晨澍), Liang Xing (梁星), and Xiu Zilue (修梓略).

In the video, Beijing Fixies members tell us about fixed-gear culture in China, the feelings they have when riding through the streets of their beloved Beijing, the friendships they’ve formed around their bikes, and remind us to be free and do what makes us happy.

Zhuo Danting is arguably China’s most original and well-known tattoo artist, not to mention a lovely painter and illustrator.

In the video, Zhuo Danting tell us about the stories behind her and her patrons’ tattoos, misconceptions in China (and around the world) about body art, and some of the crazy things she does but thinks are perfectly normal.

Edison Chen is a Hong Kong-based film actor, hip-hop artist, record producer, fashion designer, and all-around pop icon / creative extraordinaire.

In the video, Edison talks about himself as a creator and gives us a heads up about what to expect from his new album. Edison plans to use the album as an opportunity to get a few things off his chest and speak to the people that matter most, his fans.

Kang Mao is the lead singer of the punk rock band SUBS (杀不死), one of the original and now longest-standing bands in China’s music scene.

In the video, Kang Mao talks about SUBS’s music and herself coming from Mars; and reminds us all to to stay true to ourselves, be natural, and no matter what, always strive to express ourselves.

Li Jianhong is the godfather of experimental music and sound design in China.

In the video, Jianhong explains his approach to creating music whether it be recording the ambient sounds of a forest or creating distorted feedback on his guitar. Because of his eclectic style, he prefers not to label his music, but rather just find inspiration in everyday life around all of us.

Eason Chan is a Hong Kong-based actor, singer, songwriter, and all-around pop icon – sometimes called the “King of Asian Pop.”

Eason reminds us to stay true to ourselves at all costs and break from the “follow” culture of today’s social media. Be one who is followed, not who follows.