What happens when a sporting icon and musical prodigy come together? They hit the high notes by kicking it out of the ball park, which is exactly what the new Adidas Solarhu capsule collection is all about. It’s also the epitome of true global multiculturalism—a German athletic wear company collaborating with an African American musical icon, Pharrell Williams, in the exploration of East African design motifs, embellished with Chinese lettering.
Represented in four colourways—Power Blue, Clear Blue, Black and White—each design evokes traditional East African weaving techniques. Adidas Originals’ partnership with Pharrell Williams has long explored the cultural inspiration beyond the traditional reach of hip-hop sneaker culture with two previous collections, including one referencing East African flags. But the latest Solarhu line is arguably the most inspired, with bold colour combinations and rich textural patterns all harkening to traditional and modern designs from the African continent. The collection is available from this month onwards at all Adidas Originals flagship stores, select retailers and online.
Designed as a reimagining of traditional weaving patterns, the stand-out element of the collection are the sneakers that feature a brightly coloured printed collar designed to reference traditional East African weaving. Each colourway is then finished with the words “Empower” and “Inspire” embroidered in Chinese lettering across the primeknit upper.
The capsule’s apparel pieces come with bold pattern detailing, as well as back and chest graphics, which are a nod to the numbers worn by long-distance runners. These pieces are then finished with “Empower” and “Inspire” piping as well, to reference the collection’s theme of transforming lives through sport. Incidentally, this isn’t Pharrell’s only collaboration—a joint Chanel capsule also on the way.