Towards the end of World War 2, Italian industrialist Enrico Piaggio decided to shift the focus of his firm, Piaggio of Genova, from aviation to light transportation as assistance to recovery of the war torn Italian landscape. Partnered with aviation 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…
