Pharrell Williams isn’t a runner. The worldly multihyphenate manages a wealth of other talents through his genius level intellect. Yet Williams champions the “peaceful, meditative nature” of distance running, and it’s ability — through sport — to change lives. Pharrell looks to the deep-rooted distance running culture in East Africa to inspire his forthcoming adidas SOLARHU collection.
Blending contemporary technologies with rich hues courtesy of Pan-African culture, Williams takes a progressive leap into performance footwear for the second time after his Tennis Hu collection began a successful lifespan earlier this year. Moving from American tennis to African distance running — home of many of the most accomplished long-distance runners in the world — East African focused color blocking outfits the low-cut silhouette in reference to national flags in the region.
The glowing colors expressed in this collection not only ode to a country but the vibrancy of its people. Williams recognizes the magic both in the people and their spirited way of life.
“Africa is a beautiful continent and the origin of civilization. Running is a state of meditation. Why not go back to the motherland and take inspiration from such a vivid and rich culture? Why not create a tribute to this incredible sport? Why can’t the shoe that people wear on the street have a performance function? This is what we sought to achieve with this collection.”
The Pharrell x adidas SOLARHU collection will be available September 25 at select adidas flagship stores and online. A complete apparel collection will also be available at the retailers listed below.
Pharrell x adidas SOLARHU
Release Date: September 25, 2018
Price: $150
Retailers
Alife New York
Concepts Cambridge
Sneakernstuff Paris
Overkill Berlin
Doe Shanghai
Foot Patrol London
BBC New York
BBC London
BBC Tokyo
