The sportswear revival: re-inventing classics for the future

Every generation remembers its own distinctive sportswear style, from the leg warmers and hot pants made famous by films like Flashdance and Fame, to the eighties' rap scene and the adidas sneakers popularised by bands like Run D.M.C. Over the decades, sportswear has had a huge influence on film, music and fashion. From the high street to the catwalk, it has offered clothing made for comfort, with graphic designs, bold colours and eye-popping patterns guaranteed to make a style statement. Whether it's urban cool or a retro look you want, sportswear has always offered the laid back style choice for those with that little bit of extra edge.

This season, sportswear is having a retro revival, with labels like adidas Originals producing contemporary collections inspired by cult pieces from the past. The top designers are working for the biggest brands, referencing vintage pieces and cherry-picking the best designs from decades gone by - giving them a fresh spin for an up-to-date feel. With all the hottest celebrities rocking the retro sportswear look - from Jessie J and Beyoncé to Lana Del Ray - the trend has quickly filtered down from the stars to high street stockists. Hi-tops with built-in wedge heels are seen on all the top models and actresses, and after every long-haul flight, famous faces are caught at the airport wearing the best that comfy tracksuits have to offer. With the '90s revival set to make a strong comeback in 2012, the baseball cap looks set to be the must-have accessory of the year.

The adidas logo is undoubtedly the most iconic and recognisable of all the sportswear labels. Its new range of adidas Originals looks back to the past, reinventing classic pieces with a modern twist to create high-quality looks that are perfect for any urban personality. The iconic tracksuit top or hoodie is reinvented with an '80s vibe, available in bright, bold tones, and stunning prints including stars, stripes and the class three-stripe design. With sports-luxe a key look on the designer catwalk this season, adidas Originals also offer high fashion pieces with a heritage spin, including sumptuous swimwear, cool coats and trend-driven tees with flirty frills or metallic motifs. Trainers designed by fashion's favourite raconteur Jeremy Scott are always instant sell-outs. Available in cartoon colours with graphic designs, they are guaranteed to cause commotion when release-date at the shops is announced. With a variety of pieces to suit everyone's needs, the adidas Originals range is designed with one agenda in mind - to become a classic for the future.