Initially teased in 2022, Mr. Bailey revealed a sneaker project in collaboration with adidas Originals titled "OZLUCENT" in more detail via Instagram towards the end of last year.
The project is said to be inspired by aquatic life forms in what's being called an "underwater experiment", exploring how natural engineering systems can influence the latest footwear technology.
In many ways, this follows on from Mr. Bailey's previously unreleased “Ammonite" adidas Superstars which borrowed ideas from the extensive world of mollusk seashells to create one of the most unique sneaker silhouettes we've ever seen.
Since then, however, the OZLUCENT project has evolved into its next stage, the OZMORPHIS silhouette. With this in mind, here's what we know about the sneakers and their evolution so far.
Mr. Bailey x adidas Originals OZLUCENT release date
Very few details were ever revealed about the OZLUCENT sneakers, although adidas' recent press release on the OZMORPHIS suggests that the OZLUCENT shoes are out, but their launch was ultra-exclusive.
However, the OZMORPHIS evolution seems as though it will receive a more readily available release, with the shoes confirmed to launch on 9th February 2023.
That means there's not long left to wait if you want to get your hands on part of the OZWORLD metamorphosis. The OZLUCENT may be elusive to get hold of, but make sure you keep a lookout for the OZMORPHIS coming soon.
Mr. Bailey x adidas Originals OZLUCENT design
As mentioned, the concept behind the OZLUCENT sneakers is inspired by aquatic life forms, with Mr. Bailey focusing specifically on the lifecycle of the Aurelia Aurita, more commonly known as moon jellyfish.
The futuristic design takes design cues from the three stages of the Aurelia lifecycle: the Polyp, Ephyra, and Medusa.
As a result, you get heels that look like the Polyp, essentially a plant-like structure fixed to the ocean floor, mids that reference the Ephyra, the breaking off of the juvenile jellyfish, and a form inspired by the Medusa.
Upon closer inspection of the all-black sneakers, you'll notice a direct reference to the moon jellyfish lifecycle appears on the sock-like collars of these adidas Originals.
To complete the theme, the sneakers are presented in an inflated amniotic sac created using sugarcane and cellulose rather than a traditional shoe box, thus making these sneakers one of the most intriguing shoes from adidas to date.
The follow-up OZMORPHIS is another intriguing design that's simply an evolution of the original.
The silhouette has been enveloped in a cocoon-like form by a thin TPU structure that encases an inner neoprene sox. The toebox then features references to the lappets used for aquatic movement by the moon jellyfish at the heart of this collaboration.
Mr. Bailey x adidas Originals OZLUCENT price speculation
Like the release date, the price of the OZLUCENT sneakers is a bit of a mystery along with the OZMORPHIS evolution. However, we can make a prediction based on the OZWEEGO and LXCON models as part of the same OZWORLD family.
If the OZLUCENT and OZMORPHIS Originals were to follow the OZWORLD trend, then we could see them retail for around $120 in adult sizing.
We're unlikely to get official confirmation of the price until adidas reveals more information via the CONFIRMED app though, so make sure you check back in with us as we'll be updating this article once a further announcement is made.
Where to buy the Mr. Bailey x adidas Originals OZLUCENT
We believe it's likely the OZLUCENT sneakers, if they ever launch globally, will first debut via the CONFIRMED app like the OZMORPHIS release.
If you miss out on a chance to pick up the shoes through retail, then we'd recommend keeping an eye on the resale market at StockX as an alternative place to buy once the sneakers drop.
For more information, check out our list of the best places to buy sneakers right here.
Similar products you can buy now
If you're not able to wait for these new adidas Originals to arrive, then there are a few alternative sneakers that you can buy right now to add to your collection.
adidas OZWEEGO Core Black
Gucci x adidas Gazelle Beige Brown
Read More: Best adidas collabs available now
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