Adikt’s Latest Collection: A Journey Through Addiction, Triumph, and Victory

Adikt is a streetwear brand that embodies raw emotion and creativity, based of addiction—both good and bad—into every piece. Recently, the brand released a collection inspired by an Saga of Swale, the 1984 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes champion whose story is one of triumph and tragedy. We spoke with the Adikt team to dive into the vision behind their brand, the inspiration for the new collection, and their meticulous design process.

The Meaning Behind Adikt: Embracing All Aspects of Addiction

Adikt’s name stems from the universal concepts of addiction—whether to money, drugs, sex, love, or any other force that consumes us. The team explained:

“Good or Bad, Minor or Major, our goal is to have our customers feel welcomed and comforted when they wear our products.” - They stated.

Adikt’s designs embrace both the highs and lows of addiction, translating these emotions into pieces that inspire strength and overcoming hardships like addictions. 

Inspiration for the New Collection: Swale’s Saga 

The newest collection takes its cue from the poignant story of Swale, the horse that captured America’s heart in 1984. Swale’s rise to glory was meteoric, winning both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes with an unblemished health record. But just eight days after his Belmont triumph, tragedy struck—Swale collapsed and died, his career cut short at its zenith.

Adikt sees Swale’s relentless drive for greatness as a metaphor for their brand’s journey. Like Swale, their mission is to keep racing for the top spot, regardless of the odds. The collection honors Swale’s legacy and the spirit of perseverance that transcends tragedy.

The Design Process: Where Streetwear Meets Derby Racing

Adikt’s design process is clearly deeply rooted in storytelling. This collection merges the worlds of derby racing and streetwear, creating a unique blend that is rarely seen.

The centerpiece of the collection is a 1/1 zip-up jacket featuring intricate details and handcrafted artwork. Some standout features include:

• “Lange Leve” Embroidery: Dutch for “Long Live,” this phrase adorns the front chest, symbolizing Swale’s enduring spirit.
• American Flag Patchwork: Paired with Adikt’s signature “A” logo on the left chest, this element celebrates Swale’s status as a national icon.
• Back Embroidery: “Derby” and the racing year “84” are emblazoned on the back, paying homage to the unforgettable 1984 races.

The design process involved hand-drawn art, which was vectorized and brought to life on premium garments. Every stitch reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and storytelling.

The Heart of America: Swale’s Lasting Legacy

Adikt summed up Swale’s story beautifully:

“The horse that was in the shadows for so long had finally won the Heart of America.” -They said.

This sentiment resonates throughout the collection. Like Swale, Adikt aims to carve out a legacy that endures—blending triumph, tragedy, and tenacity into wearable works of art. The new collection invites wearers to celebrate their own victories while honoring the challenges that shape them.

Adikt’s Vision: Racing to the Top

With this collection, Adikt solidifies its position as a streetwear brand that goes beyond fashion, creating pieces with heart, history, and purpose. Just as Swale raced to greatness, Adikt is charging ahead, crafting a legacy one bold design at a time.

FAQs

1. What is the meaning behind Adikt?

Adikt is inspired by the concept of addiction—good or bad, minor or major. The brand aims to create pieces that embrace human complexities and inspire creativity.

2. What inspired Adikt’s latest collection?

The collection draws inspiration from Swale, the 1984 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner whose tragic story represents perseverance and triumph.

3. What makes the new collection unique?

The collection merges derby racing and streetwear with detailed craftsmanship, including embroidery, hand-drawn artwork, and premium design elements.

4. What does “Lange Leve” mean?“

It translates to “Long Live” in Dutch. It symbolizes the enduring legacy of Swale and the spirit of resilience.