October 2002 saw the birth of a new cooperation in sport and fashion with the launch of the Spring/ Summer 2003 Y-3 men's and women's collection. The collaboration between renowned Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto and the authentic sports brand adidas has revolutionized the industry, and created a new category within fashion. adidas represents sports, Yohji Yamamoto represents design, both
symbolize true craftsmanship, and together they continue to develop the future of sportswear. With an emphasis on form and movement, Yohji Yamamoto's signature design aesthetic is combined with traditional Japanese tailoring. While a utilitarian inspiration is evident throughout each collection, Y-3 possesses a technical feel on unexpected silhouettes to provide contemporary sportswear with a unique look. In September of 2004, the first Y-3 monobrand stores began to open. In Tokyo, Yohji Yamamoto's city of residence, the first Y-3 flagship store is located close to his own signature store. Additional retail stores opened during 2007 in Beijing, Paris and Miami. The first Y-3 flagship store in New York opened in February of 2008 and a second store opened in New York's SoHo neighbourhood the following September. In 2009, Y-3 stores opened in Las Vegas and Los Angeles as well as in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul and in Singapore. In Spring 2010, Y-3 opened its second flagship store located in Miami's 1111 Lincoln Road retail and residential structure on South Beach designed by Herzog and de Meuron. 2010 and 2011 will see the opening of additional Y-3 stores in other major cities in the USA, Asia, Europe and for the first time in the Middle East. Y-3's collection of men's and women's apparel, footwear and accessories continues to evolve, always evoking the perfect blend of adidas' expertise and innovation in sport functionality and Yohji Yamamoto's signature sense of style.
