An icon on the streets, the adidas Originals Superstar shoe has forged its way through history. From its humble beginnings as highly technical performance footwear designed for basketball courts, to integrating into the hip-hop scene in the ’80s, to various innovations and collaborations – it has always maintained its integrity! In 2015 adidas Originals begins its homage to the shoe that started a movement… The Superstar Vintage Deluxe.

While the Superstar’s quintessential design has its roots in sportswear, the timeless silhouette has broken those boundaries and goes beyond the constant flux of fashion trends. The connections between skateboarding culture, hip-hop, fashion and prominent figures have been prevalent throughout the history of adidas Originals Superstar. Starting with Run-DMC’s endorsement deal with adidas in 1986, which included the track ‘My adidas’ on their bestselling Raising Hell LP. A tune that set the tone for future relationships in the entertainment industry.

And then in the late ’80s Mark Gonzales signed with adidas Skateboarding, a move that would legitimize the relationship between skate culture and adidas forever. In 2004, adidas Originals Superstar celebrated their 35th Anniversary with the #SS35 campaign, consisting of 35 collaborative shoes. The final product was the #35 model, which was handmade entirely from the most luxurious leather – right down to the shelltoe and even the outsole! The masterpiece was presented in a large white case, adorned with gold-plated hardware and a matching cleaning kit. The few reproductions of the shoe have become collectors’ items that initiated the inspiration for the following decade of sneaker culture.

Although adidas Originals Superstar has maintained its authenticity and class, the 21st century environment that we live in has altered the core meaning of what encompasses being a true superstar. Today, people regard ‘Stardom’ as being referred to by your first name, having fans who are interested in what you eat for breakfast, and how many ‘Likes’ or followers you have.

Fabrizia Degli Esposti, adidas Originals Brand Marketing and PR Specialist, speaks with conviction:

‘Social media has completely redefined the concepts of self-expression, originality and creativity and throughout 2015, the campaign will question the need for external validation and celebrity worship. The campaign is aimed at inspiring creative courage without the need for external validation, and makes it very clear that whether it’s 1969 or 2015, there is no short cut to being a Superstar.’

So, what does it mean to be a ‘Superstar’?

It’s not about having your name on a jersey, a flag, or the skin of a die-hard fan. It’s not about the number of views, likes or shares. It’s not about being seen in the front row seats at fashion week.

For David Beckham, ‘It’s not about trying to be the next big thing.’ Nor is it ‘about having your name on a flag or a jersey,’ says Damian Lillard.

adidas Originals | #OriginalSuperstar

In the short film (featured above) from adidas Originals and directed by Karim Huu Do, the star-studded cast decree that they are not superstars – flipping the longstanding idea of ‘Superstardom’ on its head. And that’s exactly what the launch of adidas Originals Superstar is all about. Challenging the old notion of ‘Superstar’ and reclaiming the meaning of this word. When David Beckham began his career, all he wanted was to be the best football player he could be, and Pharrell had a compelling need to create music. Whilst these ‘Superstars’ have all had different creative journeys, their original motivations from when they started out remain intact. Fame was just a by-product of their originality, hard work and dedication.

For the adidas Originals Superstar Launch 2015, the message is clear: being a true Superstar is being original and having the courage to create without external validation. With your pair of adidas Originals Superstar’s, laced up or down and placing you firmly on the ground, you can be the #originalsuperstar you were born to be.

Be an #originalsuperstar

 
Follow adidas South Africa on Twitter (@adidasZA) and Instagram (adidasZA) or join the conversation by using #adidasOriginals and #originalsuperstar.

Links:
Website: http://www.adidas.co.za/originalsuperstar
Twitter: hashtag #originalsuperstar Follow @adidasZA
Instagram: adidasza
 

The iconic adidas Originals Superstar shoe has forged its way through history. From its humble beginnings as highly technical performance footwear designed for basketball courts, to integrating into the hip-hop scene in the ’80s, to various innovations and collaborations – it has always maintained its integrity! In 2015 adidas Originals begins its homage to the shoe that started a movement… The Superstar Vintage Deluxe.

Even though the Superstar’s quintessential design has its roots in sportswear, the timeless silhouette has broken those boundaries and goes beyond the constant flux of fashion trends. The connections between skateboarding culture, hip-hop, fashion and prominent figures have been prevalent throughout the history of adidas Originals Superstar. Starting with Run-DMC’s endorsement deal with adidas in 1986, which included the track ‘My adidas’ on their bestselling Raising Hell LP. A tune that set the tone for future relationships in the entertainment industry.

And then in the late ’80s Mark Gonzales signed with adidas Skateboarding, a move that would legitimize the relationship between skate culture and adidas forever. In 2004, adidas Originals Superstar celebrated their 35th Anniversary with the #SS35 campaign, consisting of 35 collaborative shoes. The final product was the #35 model, which was handmade entirely from the most luxurious leather – right down to the shelltoe and even the outsole! The masterpiece was presented in a large white case, adorned with gold-plated hardware and a matching cleaning kit. The few reproductions of the shoe have become collectors’ items that initiated the inspiration for the following decade of sneaker culture.

Even though adidas Originals Superstar has maintained its authenticity and class, the 21st century environment that we live in has altered the core meaning of what encompasses being a true superstar. Today, people regard ‘Stardom’ as being referred to by your first name, having fans who are interested in what you eat for breakfast, and how many ‘Likes’ or followers you have.

Fabrizia Degli Esposti, adidas Originals Brand Marketing and PR Specialist, speaks with conviction: ‘Social media has completely redefined the concepts of self-expression, originality and creativity and throughout 2015, the campaign will question the need for external validation and celebrity worship. The campaign is aimed at inspiring creative courage without the need for external validation, and makes it very clear that whether it’s 1969 or 2015, there is no short cut to being a Superstar.’

So, what does it mean to be a ‘Superstar’?

‘It’s not about trying to be the next big thing.’ – David Beckham

[Nor is it] ‘about having your name on a flag or a jersey’ – Damian Lillard

adidas Originals | #OriginalSuperstar

In the short film (featured above) from adidas Originals and directed by Karim Huu Do, the star-studded cast decree that they are not superstars – flipping the longstanding idea of ‘Superstardom’ on its head. And that’s exactly what the launch of adidas Originals Superstar is all about. Challenging the old notion of ‘Superstar’ and reclaiming the meaning of this word. When David Beckham began his career, all he wanted was to be the best football player he could be, and Pharrell had a compelling need to create music. Whilst these ‘Superstars’ have all had different creative journeys, their original motivations from when they started out remain intact. Fame was just a by-product of their originality, hard work and dedication.

For the adidas Originals Superstar Launch 2015, the message is clear: being a true Superstar is being original and having the courage to create without external validation. With your pair of adidas Originals Superstar’s, laced up or down and placing you firmly on the ground, you can be the #originalsuperstar you were born to be.

Be an #originalsuperstar

 
Follow adidas South Africa on Twitter (@adidasZA) and Instagram (adidasZA) or join the conversation by using #adidasOriginals and #originalsuperstar.

Links:
Website: http://www.adidas.co.za/originalsuperstar
Twitter: hashtag #originalsuperstar Follow @adidasZA
Instagram: adidasza
 

The iconic adidas Originals Superstar shoe has forged its way through history. From its humble beginnings as highly technical performance footwear designed for basketball courts, to integrating into the hip-hop scene in the ’80s, to various innovations and collaborations, it has always maintained its integrity! In 2015 adidas Originals begins its homage to the shoe that started a movement, with The Superstar Vintage Deluxe.

Even though the Superstar’s quintessential design has its roots in sportswear, the timeless silhouette has broken those boundaries and goes beyond the constant flux of fashion trends. The connections between skateboarding culture, hip-hop, fashion and prominent figures have been prevalent throughout the history of adidas Originals Superstar. Starting with Run-DMC’s endorsement deal with adidas in 1986, which included the track ‘My adidas’ on their bestselling Raising Hell LP. A tune that set the tone for future relationships in the entertainment industry.

And then in the late ’80s, Mark Gonzales signed with the adidas skate team, which legitimized the relationship between skate culture and adidas forever. In 2004 adidas Originals Superstar celebrated their 35th Anniversary with the #SS35 campaign, consisting of 35 collaborative shoes. The final product was the #35 model, which was handmade entirely from the most luxurious leather, right down to the shelltoe and even the outsole! The masterpiece was presented in a large white case adorned with gold-plated hardware and a matching cleaning kit. The few reproductions of the shoe have become collectors’ items, which initiated the inspiration for the following decade of sneaker culture.

Even though adidas Originals Superstar has maintained its authenticity and class, the 21st century environment that we live in has changed the meaning of what it means to be a true superstar. Today, people regard stardom as being referred to by your first name, having fans who are interested in what you eat for breakfast, and how many ‘Likes’ or followers you have. But, for David Beckham, ‘It’s not about trying to be the next big thing.’ Nor is it ‘about having your name on a flag or a jersey’ – pro-basketball player Damian Lillard.

In the short film from adidas Originals called adidas Originals | #OriginalSuperstar, directed by Karim Huu Do, the star-studded cast decree that they are not superstars – turning the 21st century’s concept of what ‘superstar’ means on it’s head. And that’s exactly what the launch of adidas Originals Superstar is all about. When David Beckham started out, all he wanted was to be the best football player he could be, and Pharrell had a compelling need to create music. Fame was just a by-product of their originality, hard work and dedication!

For the adidas Originals Superstar Launch 2015, the message leaves no room for misinterpretation: being a true superstar is being original and having the courage to create without external validation. With your pair of adidas Originals Superstar’s, laced up or down and placing you firmly on the ground, you can be the #originalsuperstar you were born to be!

Relevant Links:
Website: http://www.adidas.co.za/originalsuperstar
Twitter: hashtag #originalsuperstar Follow @adidasZA
Instagram: adidasza

Image: blog.fashionwindows.com

Now available in South Africa, the return of this global fashion icon has been re-invigorated and updated. The shoe stays true to its heritage in style and form but has been shaped and updated for multipurpose modern-day wear.

Various international and local influencers such as Will Arnett, Max Greenfield, athletes Andy Murray and Derrick Rose, singer-songwriter Sky Ferreira and DJ Terranova, as well as local fashion authorities, Jackie Burger, Crystal Birch and Keith Henning will give their opinion on this icon to demonstrate the shoe’s versatile, wide-reaching appeal.

The Stan Smith shoes are available at adidas Originals stores as well as a store is good in Cape Town at a recommended retail price of R999.00.

Follow adidas Originals on Instagram adidasZA and on Twitter @adidasZA #StanSmith

For more information on adidas-related news visit the adidas News Stream
Unlock the adidas vault to find out more about the brand’s heritage.

Image: theworldsbestever.com

adidas Originals | Stan Smith from AREA3 on Vimeo.

photo: Nelis Botha

The theme, ‘All Originals’, reflects the very nature of the Originals brand and was incorporated into all elements of the project: from the selection of pieces, photography and video style, even down to the recruitment and selection of the models used in the show and campaign collateral.

In order to engage original influencers to act as models, a unique casting call was put out, but for models that weren’t already signed, established or trained as such. The casting call was held at www.area3.co.za in a single day and all potentials were shot in the pieces that they would eventually wear at the fashion show and showcase in campaign collateral – it was an original experience.

Watch a video featuring the original models and selected pieces from the collection below:

All Originals | Spring Summer ’13 | AREA3 | 20 August 2013 from AREA3 on Vimeo.

The subsequent exhibition has been designed to allow people a chance to witness the project in a longer-lasting format, featuring life-size prints of the models and campaign with Q&A’s of each model involved, video projections from the show and the afro-electric sounds of Markus Wormstorm (who musically steered the evening) as well as, of course, featured adidas Originals pieces from the show.

Some of the signature items as well as imagery and video footage from the show will be exhibited in AREA3 from Tuesday, 20 August until Sunday, 22 September and will be open to the public.

Exhibition details

Open from Tuesday, 20 August 2013 to Sunday, 22 September 2013
AREA3, 20 Kruger Street, the Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg East
AREA3 is open from 10h00 to 16h00
Tuesday to Sunday

Links:

www.area3.co.za
Follow @adidasZA #AREA3 #adidasOriginals
photography: Nelis Botha

photo: Nelis Botha

photo: Nelis Botha

photo: Nelis Botha

photo: Nelis Botha

photo: Nelis Botha

You have lived in so many places and have friends that live far and wide. Where is home? What makes a place home?

I’d say home is the birthplace in which I was born. My idea of what makes a place a home is not so easy to explain. I would like the place where I was born to be a place where I can go to relax and be with friends and family.

Which are your most memorable photographs from the exhibition and why?
The one Benjamin took where my pants are ripped and my board is broken is a pretty memorable moment! I can remember trying to get in a positive mode, but everything negative Firstly I ripped my pants, then I broke my board but eventually I was able to pull what I was going for. Ultimately it was memorable because it was both good and bad.

You have spent a lot of time with each of the photographers in the exhibition. Can you briefly describe each of them?

I shot with a lot with Gabe when I was living in SF. He reminds me of a non-nonsense kind of guy. If you’re going for a trick, he will stay there until you make it. But he doesn’t just want you to waste his time by just posing. He doesn’t want to mess around.

Gaberman is really cool and likes skating a lot. When he is shooting photos, I feel like I want to skate with him instead of shoot photos – it’s a trippy situation. You know he skates and you want to skate with him and see all the moves that you saw him do in the skate mags, but you know he’s taking photos so it’s kind of a catch 22.

Joe always makes you feel comfortable and you never feel under pressure to make moves.

Whenever I go out to shoot with Skin it’s almost certain that I will take a gnarly spill and more chances then not, I’ll end up getting up right away and acting like it was nothing.

Sem is very easy to shoot with. You just skate and he snipers off shots from a distance and you barely know he’s there.

Benjamin is really fun to shoot photos with. The reason that it is so fun is because, no matter how ridiculous the thing is that you want to do, he’s willing to photograph it. The circle board at the Trocadaro in Paris is a perfect example.

What was the drawing factor to becoming part of he adidas family all those 15 years ago?

I had the idea to make it red white and blue and then heavy on the black much like the wardrobe of the 1700’s of France, like Louis the XIV.

Sem Reubio, Skate Photographer, on the Gonz:

Well generally he makes you smile whenever he is having fun, which is pretty much all the time. If he’s not having fun, he’ll be gone in two seconds, that’s for sure. Something that still makes me laugh is this funny shaking he does sometimes when he is skating – like totally freaking out. He does it for the laughs of course. He did that in Melbourne while trying to skate a bank in the middle of a crowded street. I still laugh when I think about it and the look of the people that passed by.

“15 Years of Gonz and adidas” exhibition | Video from adi three leaf on Vimeo

Photo by Sem Rubio

image: Joe Brook

image: Skin Phillips

image: Gabe Morford

image: Benjamin Deberdt

Photo by Brian Gaberman

Images: Sem Rubio, Benjamin Deberdt, Gabe Morford, Joe Brook, Skin Phillips

Interview c/o adidas Skateboarding

Cassette Tape Lamps

Image: ooomydesign.bigcartel.com

Cassette Is Not Dead is a Spanish design project dedicated to reviving cassette tapes through interior design. The project aims to curb the destruction of cassettes by refurbishing them as lamps that can be used in homes, making the tapes usable in an age where they are being replaced by more advanced music equipment. Cassette Is Not Dead explains that cassettes are a symbol of a generation and each day more and more cassettes are disappearing, leaving behind a cultural vacuum. Their funky lamps are an innovative way to save cassettes, and keep their cultural memory alive. The lamps are created in a box structure where cassettes are tied together to hold the frame in place. The system works through a trade initiative where people send old cassettes to the design team, and are then given gifts like wallets or lamps in return.
 
 

Coca-Cola Split Can

Image: mashable.com

Image: adweek.com

Throughout their time as industry giants, Coca Cola has always promoted the idea of sharing in their brand campaigns. Joining forces with Ogilvy, the famed beverage company has created a new way to enjoy a sip of Coke. The split can is a can that is connected by two parts, allowing Coca Cola lovers to twist off one half so that they are left with a can in one hand and a can-like cup in the other. It’s always easy to share a bottle of Coke with friends, and Coca Cola has taken this concept one step further by making cans a convenient way to share. The cans have swept through the streets of Singapore, but were not sold via vending machines or shops. Instead a ‘happiness truck’ handed the drinks out to passersby.
 
 

Water Bottle Humidifier

Image: aggift.com

Image: gizmodo.com

No matter where you are staying hydrated is an important way to keep healthy and look fresh. While most humidifiers are too bulky and inconvenient to carry around, South Korean design outfit Amazing Grace has created a portable humidifier that can be attached to any water bottle. Dubbed the Amazing Humidifier, the little device adjusts to fit on the mouthpiece of the water bottle. The system is powered by a laptop or phone charger using a USB-to-mini-USB cable, allowing the humidifier to suck water through its detachable filter, dispensing vapor at a rate of 30 ml per hour. In order to get a good night’s rest, a 500ml bottle of water will provide all the hydration you need. The nippy humidifier automatically turns off after eight hours so the machine won’t be overworked.
 
 

Colgate Caffeine Toothbrushes

Image: news.msn.com

Image: google.com

Colgate-Palmolive is attempting to make brushing a more enjoyable experience by creating a toothbrush that releases a chemical in the mouth when it’s being used. The company has filed a patent application that outlines the design of the toothbrush which has a patch on the back of the head storing toothpaste that is infused with flavourant chemicals. The new toothbrush will push Colgate-Palmolive to the front of the hygiene industry, while providing consumers with a sensory experience that excites an otherwise mundane activity. The patent has yet to be accepted, but Colgate has already begun exploring the flavours of mint, caffeine, and fruits as possible taste infusers for the toothbrushes.
 

Adidas Smart Soccer Ball

Image: popsop.ru

Image: facebook.com

Adidas has debuted the Smart Ball — a soccer ball that tracks a player’s movement and posts feedback via a mobile app. The ball allows players to improve their technique by providing important information about speed, rotation and distance. After three years in the making, the innovative sports company has designed a product that uses integrated sensors to keep players updated on the skills. The mobile app provides immediate analysis, direct feedback, a series of challenges and a record book to motivate technique refinement and an all-round better developed skillset. The automated system acts as a virtual coach, allowing avid soccer fans to produce their best in their own time rather than relying on expensive trainers with busy schedules. If all goes according to plan, the ball will be released in 2014.
 
 

Leather and Wood Lollipop Case

Image: sweetd-life.com

Image: complex.com

Most people love candy and Japanese design studio LIFE has found a way to give your sweet-tooth a fashionable outfit. The designers have created a wearable lollipop case made from African mahogany that is tailored to Chupa Chups. Leather straps are attached to the spherical covers enabling them to perch on your belt. These cases will protect your sweets from roaming hands and keep you looking fresh.
 
 

Game Theory

Game Theory from Ithaca Audio on Vimeo.

Image: vimeo.com

Game Theory is well-known as a system of strategic decision-making, but Ithaca Audio has twisted this concept to create an audio visual mashup of famous songs, games, and movie clips. The piece was performed live using re-wired video game controllers. Ithaca Audio created Game Theory as a tribute to 35 years of video game music (Space Invaders, released in 1978, was the first game to feature a continuous soundtrack). The creatives took a walk back through time and delved into the video game music of the past and present to mashup this dizzying sound-movie display. They also incorporated some of their favourite current tunes to add some zest to the clip.
 
 

Images: ooomydesign.bigcartel.com, vimeo.com, sweetd-life.com, complex.com , facebook.com, popsop.ru, google.com, news.msn.com, gizmodo.com, aggift.com , mashable.com, adweek.com, ooomydesign.bigcartel.com

Image: © Viviane Sassen

In And Out Of Fashion is the summation of 17 years worth of work for some of fashion’s most honoured brands. Sassen’s images brush through the shelves of powerhouses like Stella McCartney, Adidas and Levi’s and onto the pages of Pop, AnOther Magazine, Purple, and Dazed & Confused. The book illustrates the visual aesthetic of Sassen’s photography as her models transform into fine art sculptures and their fashions become the threads of colour covering an artwork. Sassen portraits her subjects in unusual poses that simultaneously induce movement and the statuesque ambience of moulded sculptural art. Landscapes play as much a role in Sassen’s photography as her models, as she juxtaposes the colours and motion of her models against the shapes and hues of the backdrop. Ultimately Sassen’s work is an invigorating peek into the way in which art can re-envision fashion. Although she claims that fashion and art belong to different ends of the creative world, Sassen has seamlessly pieced together the parts of her fantastical puzzle:

Art photography doesn’t have to serve any purpose, fashion photography does, and that makes a difference. It’s a kind of puzzle that has to be solved

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Image: © Viviane Sassen

Images: ©Viviane Sassen

Image: Loro Verz

Loro Verz – Pintando o muro do Inspiratorium from Escola Inspiratorium on Vimeo.

 
How would you describe South American mentality? Does it show in your art?

It’s colourful and cheerful. It does have a direct effect on my work.
 
There is a big similarity between South Africa and Brazil regarding the massive gap between the rich and the poor – the result of capitalism. Do you think that art plays a role in social upliftment in your country?  Is this important to you (to use your art for effecting change)?

I don’t consider myself a political artist but I do believe that art can indeed play an important role in helping communities to have respect and self-esteem.

LoRo Verz, Image: livingdesign.net.br

When Coya invited me to paint the restaurant I researched Peruvian art and came across some ancient Inca wall painting and decided to blend the new with the old.
 
What emotions do you want people who are looking at your art to experience? And what questions do you want them to ask?

I wish that they look at it like a child looks at his/her hand, trying to find meaning and at the same time experience good vibes.
 
Were you trying to replicate the feel of a real-life situation? If so, which one?

I thought of South America as a whole. It isn’t about a specific country but about a whole continent. The colours and the vibrations were in my mind during the whole creative process.
 

image: loro verz

It is a feast for the eyes, so I guess it is appropriate for the restaurant.
 
How powerful is art in influencing people’s actions and emotions?

I think art has an amazing power.  It can change lives and give hope to a lot of people.
 
Do you ever envision a complete artwork in your head before you start working on it?

The work grows as it goes along, I never know what the outcome will be like at the end, it always surprises me. I create as I do it.
 

image: loro verz

It feels good. Recognition of one’s work is always good!
 
Can you tell us a bit about what you are doing for them?

Adidas invited me to customize their shoes during the Olympic Games in London. It was an amazing experience because I met a lot of people and working on trainers was a challenge!
 
What would you say are the main differences between creating art for ‘art’s sake’ and creating art for advertisers?

Art is like a weapon, some people use it, some don’t!
 
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

Be happy and listen to your heart.
 
What’s the worst?

Be sad and listen to others.
 
Any plans to come do some art in South Africa?

I have a good friend who lives there! I would love to visit SA! It must be a vibrant and amazing place!

 
Follow LoRo Verz on Twitter and check out his Tumblr

interview by: Christine Hogg
images: livingdesign.net.br, LoRo Verz, Go ART

Behind the scenes Vouks and The Curse adidas originals represent shoot

Cape Town-born Vouks is a household name on the local b-boying scene, performing across South Africa and sharing a stage with multiple international artists. With him for the ADIDAS Represent Campaign is “a persistent dancer” known as The Curse… Two of the sexiest men in the game, they move with such ease and humble swag that is paralleled by the backing track in this video. On a cool Cape Town evening, they bust a move on a gorgeous local mountainside.

This is what I do for a living. This is my lifestyle, this is what I am – Vouks

Submitting & Voting

Submissions close on the 7th of October, and From 8-28 October 2012, voting sees the most popular crew winning R6000 worth of adidas Originals gear per crewmember and the opportunity to be showcased on a local platform, tailor-made to the crew’s particular expertise. The 360° #represent brand campaign will come to life through locally and globally produced television, digital and retail elements and locally driven activations, such as the brand’s Live Performances in both Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Here’s how it works. Invite the people in your crew to join, pick a name, then just represent your originality and show us what you do. This can be a video, photo, audio or mantra. If your crew gets the most love and supporters, you will get showcased to the world. It could be you, so represent your crew!

To upload images for the campaign as well, go to www.adidas.co.za/represent/.