At the GQ Heroes 2025 event held at Soho Farmhouse, Stephen Graham captured attention not only for his conversation but especially for his footwear, showcasing the highly anticipated Stephen Graham Adidas sneaker collaboration. The actor discussed a range of topics, including his past roles and future creative projects, while sporting the limited-edition C.P. Company x Adidas Italia SPZL sneakers, which launched in November 2024 and instantly sold out.
The Distinctive Features of the C.P. Company x Adidas Italia SPZL
The sneakers, designed to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Adidas’s Spezial line, feature ‘Collegiate Royal’ tumbled leather with ‘Chalk White’ suede accents, creating a striking and refined look. Their release garnered immediate buzz, driven by both their curated design and the involvement of Stephen Graham, who starred in the original campaign when the collaboration was first unveiled—solidifying the duo’s cultural influence within sneaker and fashion circles.
A Creative Approach to the Campaign and Brand Vision
The campaign’s promotion included a short film featuring Graham alongside notable figures such as Ashley Walters, Goldie, jeweller Toby Mclellan, and Adidas collector Robert Brooks. These contributors appear performing Shakespeare scenes, blending high culture with streetwear in an innovative way. Gary Aspden, SPZL brand curator, explained the inspiration behind this creative choice, noting that Stephen Graham was the driving force behind filming the actors rehearsing Shakespeare in a theatre setting.
Stephen Graham was the one who put the idea of filming them rehearsing Shakespeare in a theatre forward,
—Gary Aspden, SPZL brand curator
Initially I was like, ‘Woah, that’s kind of quite a bold statement,’ because you’re mixing something that’s seen and regarded as being very sophisticated and highbrow with something as egalitarian and ubiquitous as sportswear.
—Gary Aspden, SPZL brand curator
Public Response and Market Impact of the Collaboration
The enthusiasm for the Stephen Graham Adidas sneaker collaboration was evident when the C.P. Company x Adidas Italia SPZL trainers sold out within seconds of their drop. Despite this high demand, some sizes remain available at prices even below the retail value, making the sneakers surprisingly accessible to collectors and fans. This blend of exclusivity and affordability reflects the thoughtful balance between hype and everyday wearability that the collaboration achieves.
The Broader Significance of Graham’s Style Influence
Stephen Graham’s involvement in this collaboration reinforces his reputation for impeccable taste, spanning his well-known preference for British shoe labels like Grenson to his seamless integration into sneaker culture. His presence at GQ Heroes 2025 and his role in this iconic campaign underscore the growing intersection between entertainment, fashion, and streetwear. Moving forward, this collaboration may inspire further creative projects that blend sartorial elegance with cultural storytelling.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Stephen Graham in Harry Potter?
A. Stephen Graham did not originally try out for Tommy. He went with a friend to Ritchie’s audition and was then invited to audition himself.
Q. Are Leonardo DiCaprio and Stephen Graham friends?
A. The movie “Gangs of New York” by Martin Scorsese started a friendship of over 20 years between Stephen Graham and Leonardo DiCaprio. Stephen Graham, known for his role in “The Adolescence,” mentioned he once ‘almost killed’ Leonardo by accident.
