Timeless is a word so overused nowadays that its meaning has almost become redundant, but the Stan Smith is one of the few products that’s design has really stood the test of time, transcending trends, music genres, and subcultural movements. So many other brands have tried to copy its minimal aesthetic and adidas itself has dropped countless versions and collaborations, but almost 50 years since it first hit the court and it hasn’t lost any of its character.

In the fickle world of fashion, the Stan Smith opened up the floodgates for a new generation of female sneakerheads. You can pinpoint the moment when the stereotype of the so-called “fashion girl” went from Jimmy Choo heels to comfortable sneakers. It was those ten seconds when Phoebe Philo walked onto the catwalk to take her bow for Celine’s Fall/Winter 2012 runway show wearing an olive green turtleneck, straight cut black pants, and a pair of Stan Smiths. 

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