Manchester is preparing for huge queues of ‘sneakerheads’ to descend upon the city centre as a local fashion label Drama Call is set to release a limited run of limited edition tram-inspired trainers in partnership with Adidas.
The UK fashion scene continues to ‘Head North’.
Yes, that is the name given to this exciting new collaboration between streetwear brand Drama Call, who have gone viral on numerous occasions with their exclusive drops, and one of the most iconic names in sports apparel on the planet.
In truth, these shoes would have been snapped up in an instant regardless, but there’s something about a Manchester designer teaming up with a global clothing brand to create a product so distinctly like Manc like a pair of trainers inspired by our tram network that just tickles our fancy.
Credit: Adidas x Drama Call (supplied)
You’re looking at Adidas’ Superstar II model the ‘Drama’ edition: a creative twist on an old-school classic design inspired not only by Drama Call’s growing streetwear aesthetic but, more specifically, a retro look at Manchester’s Metrolink trams.
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The Superstar II ‘Drama’ features teal accents that pay homage to the city’s classic tram design – long before the yellow of the modern era, let alone the Bee Network, and is the follow-up to their previous crossover shirt with both Adidas and Manchester United.
For this first release in what is set to be a multi-drop collab collection, you can see Drama’s unmistakable star-shaped logo reimagined on the Originals mainstay shell-toe, as well as an updated heel tab, tongue, sole and a silver hangtag
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There are even nods to the insignia in the small star-shaped slits found between the trademark three stripes which help with breathability.
You can see these features up close and in greater detail down below:
Credit: Supplied
Speaking on their latest crossover, Adidas said: “This partnership between adidas Originals and Drama Call demonstrates the true power of collaboration.
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Born from our shared love and deep-rooted heritage within British culture, the Superstar II ‘Drama’ expertly blends the best of Drama Call with an icon of adidas Originals design, adding even more stars to our shell-toe for 2025.”
As for Drama Call founder, Charlie Bows, he added: “We can’t wait for people to Head North and get their hands on the Superstar II ‘Drama’, a shoe that combines Drama Call’s Mancunian roots with an iconic adidas Originals silhouette.
“We wanted to do our city justice and pay homage to the place that has grown and sculpted us, so we placed the map of Manchester on the under-sole of the shoe, allowing your feet to always be rooted in the city.
“We decided to completely re-create the shoe box to look like the old tram we would get on as kids growing up in Manchester, representing a simpler and easier time. The graffiti artwork on the side of the shoe was done by a close friend of mine who I grew up skating with, to really bring it round full circle.”
Like what you see? Well, you’ll have to have a fair bit of luck on your side if you want to get your hands on them as we don’t even know how many shoes are up for grabs.
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A limited run of the Superstar II ‘Drama’ will be available exclusively on Saturday, 22 March at Adidas Originals and Drama Call’s ‘Head North’ pop-up which will be located just a short walk from Manchester’s Piccadilly Station.
These tram-inspired trainers will be available for £110.00 a pair, from 65 Ducie Street from around 1pm. They’re not the only thing up for grabs either (see down below).
Given that hordes of fans line up to try and get their hands on the latest Drama Call release whenever a new piece is about to drop, you can expect so serious queues around Piccadilly and a few viral videos capturing the chaos, we’re sure.
Top Northern Quarter vintage shop Gone Fishing is closing – with one final, massive sale
Daisy Jackson
Gone Fishing Vintage, one of the Northern Quarter’s top vintage shops, is closing for good after one final weekend in Manchester.
The popular shop will be going out with an almighty sale, offering 50% off everything in store on 10 and 11 January.
Gone Fishing has carved out a niche thanks to its menswear-focused, curated range of second hand fashion, often sourced from Italy.
You’ll always find a quality selection of brands including Stone Island, CP Company, Burberry, and Moschino.
And it’s caught plenty of eyes during its time on Oldham Street – just last year, Drake popped into Gone Fishing to buy himself a vest.
But now owner Seb Dixon has confirmed he’s closing down the shop – and soon.
He said it’s been a ‘f***ing tough decision’ but Gone Fishing has ‘outgrown the space’.
In a video shared to Instagram, he announced an ‘everything-must-go’ sale with half-price clothes this weekend, kicking off from 11am on Saturday 10 January.
Seb said: “Quick announcement – I’m closing down the shop. This might come as a bit of a surprise to you, but unfortunately it’s true.
“After doing this for so many years, it’s been a f***ing tough decision.
“So I started it as a passion project and it’s not the fact that I don’t have passion for it anymore or have fallen out of love with it or you guys. I just want to take it in a slightly different direction.
“I just feel like we’ve outgrown the space a little bit and how creative we can get in there, and creativity was the main reason why I started the business.
“So this weekend is our final weekend in the shop and we need to get rid of everything. So we’re doing 50% off all items.
“I reckon it’s gonna be a little big mad – we’ll open at 11 but I’d say get there a little bit earlier.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who shopped with us, supported us over the last few years. Especially the customers, we wouldn’t be here without you.
“Stay tuned as we release our new location where you can shop with us. Until then, see you on Saturday.”
Serving as yet another fitting tribute from his beloved football club, who already honoured the late, great, Manc musician at Old Trafford, it’s rumoured to launch later this year.
Snapped alongside United’s current third kit for the 25/26 season, the rumoured ‘lifestyle’ jersey is apparently coming very soon.
This pair of images has seemingly confirmed the claims made by trusted online kit source, Footy Headlines, who specialise in sharing pictures of the football shirts, boots and more, who had already reported on the release in 2025.
As you can see, not only does the design feature a striking blue take on the band’s iconic album art style (expanded from an original painting by guitarist John Squire), but if you look closely, it also features the band’s iconic song and overriding slogan, ‘I Wanna Be Adored’, built into the crest.
You can see the rest of the existing Stone Roses collection in full down below.
We’re sure there are loads of other little details besides the twist on the badge still to be spotted, but for now, all we know is that the world-famous sporting franchise is continuing to capitalise even further on The Stone Roses connection.
Since the last batch of officially licensed adidas x Stone Roses merch quickly became collector’s items, we can only assume that this latest shirt won’t be the only new addition.
For instance, one user already commented, ‘Where’s the bucket hat?’
As for Manchester United, they’re no doubt looking to generate as much revenue as possible after having to pay another sizeable severance package following the sacking of Ruben Amorim – the question is, who is going to be next?
Danny Jones -
21st March 2025 
