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Pharrell Williams isn’t a runner. The worldly multihyphenate manages a wealth of other talents through his runner 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 originals 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 work. 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
Yeezy Boost 380 Hylte Glow FZ4994 quantity
Concepts Cambridge
Sneakernstuff Paris
Overkill Berlin
Doe Shanghai
adidas Originals 3D geo backpack in black
BBC New York
BBC London
BBC Tokyo
