LC23, Adidas and the Apulian craftsmanship

In a world of velocity, Leo Colacicco (creator of LC23) chose the slow pace typical of the Southern-Italian lifestyle: la dolce vita, la vita lenta.

As a Pugliese (Barese, specifically) myself, I couldn't miss on the opportunity to talk about this amazing designer and his work that cherishes and celebrates our origins and our heritage.

Made in Gioia del Colle (Bari), Leo Colacicco is the fashion designer Adidas chose to collaborate with for the 2025 Holiday Program: the German activewear brand and the Italian (Apulian, to be precise) designer decided to join their forces after a fleeting meeting in Paris.

The outcome? A splendid capsule collection that encapsulates the Italian tailoring, the Apulian needlework and the German sportswear; setting the perfect example of a glocal collection (as stated in Elle Decor by Gianvito Fanelli): a perfect assemblage of clothes that embody the local Apulian heritage and, at the same time, draw the attention (and tastes) of people from all over the world.

The collection counts not-so-many pieces and includes pants and jackets from the Firebird line customized with a pinstripe pattern - typical of the Southern tailored dresses that Colacicco would probably often see old man from his hometown and, perhaps, his family wearing.

With the Premium Essentials T-shirts (available both in blue and beige), these pieces represent the modern and activewear part of the capsule and, thus, the Adidas influence - for the most part.

Where I personally see Leo Colacicco's (art)work and style is in the more tailored-like garments - from the tuxedo shirts to the blazers - and the accessories all crocheted by Pugliesi artisans.

There's one piece in particular that struck me: the patch made with the tombolo technique (bobbin lace) by a 80-year-old woman from Ruffano in Salento - as told by, again, Elle Decor.

[The same Salento where the Apulian Fendi Baguette (for the Hand in Hand project) was made]

It's in this accessory that I see Leo's love for our homeland, and it's in the way he acknowledged and gave credit by (knowing and) naming (in an ig post) all of the artisans whom he collaborated with that I see the respect of the elders and traditions which was taught us since we were little kids.

Finally, the footwear is the perfect result of this match made in heaven: a pair of Gazelle Made in Italy

and the Italia model custoized with crochet inserts that take 3 whole days to be realized.

The LC23xAdidas collection is a limited edition that will be available exclusively on the Adidas CONFIRMED App through a lottery: those who will be the winners of the game will have the possibility to clinch one of these amazing pieces ... kind of like a tombola game works!

Be careful! You have untill TODAY (Dec, 11) to enter the lottery.

The choice of the lottery game definitely suits the concept of the whole collection and, also, LC23 brand's: there's only a determined number of pieces that can be made by the glorious hands of the Apulian artisans and, of course, there was no way Colacicco would have chosen a fast-fashion-like way of production.

Special mention has to go to the campaign made for the capsule collection, shot in Gioia del Colle and involving Leo's family (and friends).

Family ... the real value and purpose behind THE Apulian dream. To make it with and for them.

Congratrulation Leo, your work is a piece of art. The whole Puglia is proud of you!

May this collab be just the beginning af an Apulian Renaissance.

And, also, good luck to all those who managed to enter the lottery. May the fashion Gods bless you and make you win one of these amazing pieces!