ADIDAS INTRODUCES THE NEXT NYC CREATIVE CLASS, SIX VOICES SHAPING THE CITY’S CULTURE
The ongoing initiative deepens adidas’ connection to New York’s creative communities through a new class of artists, designers, musicians, and cultural voices
(New York City, October 19, 2026) – Today, adidas introduces their next NYC Creative Class, a collective of six New York-based creative and cultural voices selected for their distinct practices, perspectives, and connections to the communities shaping the city. Building on adidas’ ongoing commitment to uplifting New York’s creative landscape, the Creative Class creates a sustained exchange between the brand and the people contributing to the city’s culture across art, fashion, music, community, sport, and beyond.
(from left to right) Creative Class members Anysia Kym, Bitter000000, Chef Stikxz, Cyle Warner, Gabe Gordon, and Secret Riso Club
Rather than defining creativity through a single discipline, the NYC Creative Class reflects the many ways culture is created, shared, and experienced across New York. The class spans a range of creative disciplines, alongside unexpected voices whose work and influence extend beyond their respective practices and into the communities around them.
The adidas NYC Creative Class includes:
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Chef Stikxz: Culinary Director at Miss Lily’s and founder of the acclaimed NYAM dinner series, she bridges traditional Caribbean diaspora flavors with fine-dining techniques.
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Bitter000000: Founded by Brooklyn-based couple Ava María and Anton Bitter, this design duo flips the script on traditional grillz with hyper-detailed printed portraits and intricate laser-engraved patterns.
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Secret Riso Club: An artist-run print studio and community space dedicated to lowering barriers for emerging and underrepresented creatives through workshops, publishing, and risograph printing.
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Cyle Warner: Van Lier and Bronx Museum fellow who explores space, fiber, and tactile storytelling, using innovative textile and sculpture work to examine notions of home, care, and memory.
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Gabe Gordon: A New York designer marrying the nostalgia of knitwear with identity through slow, hand-crafted signatures like space-dyed yarn and his distinct moth-hole technique.
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Anysia Kym: A Bronx-born, MIKE-signed producer, drummer, and singer with two Pitchfork-acclaimed albums that seamlessly blend uptown NYC hip-hop, breakbeats, and sampling culture.
Throughout the season, the adidas NYC Creative Class will come to life through cultural programming, collaborations, and experiences. 135 Spring Street will serve as one home for ongoing engagement, creating a place where New York’s creative community can gather, experience the work of the Creative Class, and discover what’s next. Upcoming moments include Chef Stikxz’s Cookout, Bitter000000’s grillz pop-up, and Secret Riso Club’s holiday market.
“New York’s culture is shaped by people who continually challenge what’s possible,” said Chris Murphy, SVP Brand Marketing, adidas North America. “The Creative Class gives those voices a meaningful platform and makes 135 Spring Street a place where creativity, community, and adidas Originals come together.”
More than a seasonal program, the adidas NYC Creative Class is an evolving platform, with each class bringing fresh perspectives and new ways to connect with NYC’s community.
About adidas
adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 62,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 23.7 billion in 2024.
Credits:
Creative Agency: Kamp Grizzly | @kampgrizzly
Photographer: Nayquan Shuler | @nateshuls
Videographer: Reese Fleming | @kenibmyself
Stylist: Gia Seo | @giaxseo
Hair: Takao Hayashi | @takao613
Makeup: Yui Ogawa | @muayui_nyc