Why Rita Ora’s Adidas Collaboration Made the Samba a Permanent Street Style Staple

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The partnership between Rita Ora and Adidas Originals remains one of the most prolific celebrity collaborations in sportswear history.

Spanning from 2014 to 2017, the British singer transitioned from a brand ambassador to a hands-on designer, producing over 15 distinct “capsule packs.” Her collections became synonymous with bold, “loud” aesthetics, reinventing classic Adidas silhouettes with high-fashion influences like sheer paneling, metallic accents, and pop-art graphics.

On March 30, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California, Ora demonstrated the “athleisure” lifestyle she helped popularize as she arrived for a dermatologist appointment.

Rita Ora wears her hair in cornrows as she leaves her dermatologist at Lancer DermatologyRita Ora wears her hair in cornrows as she leaves her dermatologist at Lancer Dermatology on March 30, 2016, in Beverly Hills (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN)

At the time, she was promoting the “Artistic Lights” collection, a pack defined by neon-tainted graphics and reflective details.

Ora showcased her toned physique in an Adidas sports bra and leggings, paired with a limited-edition version of the “Samba” sneaker—a silhouette that has since become a permanent staple in modern street style.

Rita Ora steps out in Beverly Hills wearing a leather biker jacket, black leggings, and classic Adidas Samba sneakers, balancing edgy outerwear with sporty street styleRita Ora steps out in Beverly Hills wearing a leather biker jacket, black leggings, and classic Adidas Samba sneakers, balancing edgy outerwear with sporty street style

The then 25-year-old balanced the sporty look by layering a Saint Laurent fringed biker jacket over her workout gear.

A close-up highlights the black-and-white Adidas Samba sneakers, finished with a gum sole that underscores their timeless appeal beyond the football pitchA close-up highlights the black-and-white Adidas Samba sneakers, finished with a gum sole that underscores their timeless appeal beyond the football pitch

The singer opted for her signature braids and a makeup-free look for the outing, highlighting the effortless utility of her collaborative pieces.

Rita Ora exits her vehicle in a sleek athleisure look, pairing cornrow braids, sharp cat-eye sunglasses, and Adidas Sambas for an effortlessly cool off-duty momentRita Ora exits her vehicle in a sleek athleisure look, pairing cornrow braids, sharp cat-eye sunglasses, and Adidas Sambas for an effortlessly cool off-duty moment

Decades after its initial release as a football shoe, the Adidas “Samba” remains a versatile choice for everything from errands to high-fashion layering.

The Adidas Originals Samba is shown in detail, featuring smooth black leather, suede overlays, and signature white stripes that define the enduring silhouetteThe Adidas Originals Samba is shown in detail, featuring smooth black leather, suede overlays, and signature white stripes that define the enduring silhouette

Rita Ora’s Lasting Impact on Adidas Style Culture

More than a moment, Rita Ora’s Adidas era helped redefine how performance sneakers could live beyond the gym.

From limited-edition capsule drops to off-duty street style, her collaborations blurred the lines between sportswear, pop culture, and everyday fashion—cementing silhouettes like the Samba and Superstar as enduring style staples.

👟 Rita Ora & Adidas Shoe & Fashion Highlights on Your Next Shoes: