Towards the end of World War 2, Italian industrialist Enrico Piaggio decided to shift the focus of his firm, Piaggio of Genova, from avia:tion to light transportation as assistance to recovery of the war torn Italian landscape. Partnered with avia:tion engineer Corradino D’Ascanio, the Piaggio debuted the iconic Vespa scooter, or “Wasp” in Italian, in 1946, so named for its hourglass seat arrangement that mimic the body of a wasp. Today, the little scooter that could, is an essential tool not only for the modern day urban bohemian crowd, but everyday commuters looking to beat the congested roadways.
For Spring/Summer 2009, adidas Originals took the concept of the scooter and created Vespa edition. Composed out of premium suede in natural coloway, the Vespa edition carried a few simple references, including the scripted logo and the scooter’s front air vent design as the sneaker’s heel tab. Interior is lined with premium leather with an all-over print treatment of the Vespa scripted logos on the insole. On botton you will find an all-natural gum outsole, imprinted with pinstripe treads, as in the same tread pattern found on classic scooter’s running boards. The adidas Originals – Vespa Edition is currently available for EU€ 110 (~US$ 150) at the Parisian boutique Colette and its online store.
Colette
213 Rue Saint-Honoré | 
Map
75001 Paris, France
More images after the jump…
