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

Raw-for-the-Oceans

The 41-year-old – who is known for his distinctive style in music, fashion and design – has collaborated with G-Star and Bionic Yarn, the eco-thread textile company that’s big on recycling rubbish and high performance yarn. It’s an initiative that Pharrell co-founded in 2010 to produce fabrics from marine plastic. The multi-talented entrepreneur has named the range ‘Raw for the Oceans’ and it will feature sustainable, eco-friendly denim menswear. The collection is coupled with his trademark style, but tailored from waste – not from trash cans but the ocean. Yes, you read correctly, the ocean. G-Star believe that they’re taking the next step in producing denim for years to come. Living up to their reputation as ‘an innovative and fresh company’.

‘We’re very excited about the long-term goals of this collaboration and to have Bionic as our business partner,’ says G-Star’s Creative Marketing Officer Thecla Schaeffer.

In order to curb plastic pollution in the oceans, Pharrell approached G-Star and asked them whether it was possible to make denim out of ocean plastic. The collaboration is one creative exploration journey that both companies will be embarking on with Pharrell as the co-designer. It’s great to see celebrities creating awareness about important issues that affect us globally.

Could this be the next craze for high-end fashion houses and esteemed catwalks?

Feel free to leave a comment below or tweet us at @onesmallseedSA.

Words by Alice Paulse

Pharrell Williams

Raw-for-the-oceans

For more on Pharrell Williams on one small seed click here or here.

Gwen Stefani joins Pharrell Williams on stage

Image: beaconstreetonline.net

Debbie Harry and Arcade Fire

Image: www.billboard.com

The Pixies – ‘Vamos’

Image: www.veooz.com

Beyonce joins her sister Solange on stage for ‘Losing You’

Image: www.dailymail.co.uk

‘Hey Ya’ – Andre 3000 and Big Boi reunite at Coachella

Image: atlantadailyworld.com

Image: Screen Shot from You Tube

Written as the lead single for both Pharrell’s newest 2014 album G I R L, and for the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack album, this song has had all of us instantly bouncing to the cheerful beat and exuberant vocals. It’s just damn catchy. In fact, so catchy that most of the world — about 97 countries to be exact — have decided to dance along to the contagiously bright tune and spread the happiness. wearehappyfrom.com is a platform created by Julie Fersing and Loïc Fontaine, from Nantes, France. The goal, as explained on the site by Fersing and Fontaine, is

To get people to understand what a hit this song is, and to display happiness all around the world. We want to spread as many videos as possible that are all inspired by one simple idea that has nothing to do with money, politics or religion

The most recent and, of course, our favourite version comes straight from the heart of Cape Town. Directed by Shamiel Soni and Tannan Woods and produced by Nicki Priem, this video showcases the gorgeous Mother City and makes us proud to be one of the many happy locals living here.

Naturally, when a song gets this big on the music radar, remixes will be abound. So far, the best and most interesting remix we’ve come across is a sad version of ‘Happy’ by Woodkid. Polish-born, French-raised director, designer and chamber-pop musician Yoann Lemoine has given Pharrell’s #1 smash a string-laden treatment that’s more likely to tug at your heart than move your feet. Pretty clever take.

Random Access Memories

Resource Furniture

Image: resourcefurniture.com

Resource Furniture is an American-based furniture importer and distributer that collects innovative designs to transform and reinvent spaces. Their goal is to increase the space of living areas through providing furniture that serves more than one purpose. Watch as a wall of shelves converts into a cosy bed, or a coffee table unpacks into a fully a functional dining table. The Italian designs are modernly minimalist and colourful, and will undoubtedly allow smaller living spaces to be comfortable homes.
 
 
 

Facebook Home

Image: mashable.com

Facebook’s latest app will keep you connected no matter what you’re doing. Transform your mobile home screen into a Facebook newsfeed where you can get the latest updates and photos from your friends. Turn on your phone, and you can chat to your contacts without entering the original Facebook app. The handy function means that whether you’re searching the Internet or checking the weather, you can still get notifications from Facebook. Check out the video to see how Facebook Home is making social connectivity that much faster!
 
 
 

Thug Kitchen

Image: thugkitchen.com

Image: thugkitchen.com

Eating vegetables isn’t always the most exciting experience, but luckily we’ve found a way to help you get your daily fix of healthy greens. Thug Kitchen is a bitchin’ blog with kickass recipes to get junk food lovers eating right. The hilarious guide schools people on what they need and why they need it by playfully scolding its readers with some valuable information. So put the burger down and check out this website! It’ll have you eating healthy and keep you laughing while doing so.
 
 
 

Wooden Headwear by Andrea Deppieri

Image: tetedebois.it

Image: tetedebois.it

Using industrial design, architecture, and fashion design, Italian architect Andrea Deppieri has crafted the first line of wooden headwear. From B-Boy hats to oversized sunhats, the innovative designer has named her collection Tête De Bois (which is French for ‘head of wood’). The creative designs will be launched in five different styles fashioned from either the light-coloured tanganika wood, or the darker mahogany. The pieces are constructed with wooden slats and washers, with slats being used as both an appealing, fresh look for the headwear and a functional visor to protect its wearers from sunrays. The designs are lightweight and comfortable, and with an adjustable sizing feature as well as a simple appearance, they can be worn by both men and women.
 
 
 

Rubber Barber by Chen Lu Wei

Image: thisiscolossal.com

Image: thisiscolossal.com

If you’re looking for a fun way to erase your annoying errors, then check out the Rubber Barber created by Chen Lu Wei for Megawing. The erasers come in four different colours and each one is painted with a little face that is surrounded by a chunk of hair. Every time you scuff your eraser against your work, you’ll give your miniature rubber face a haircut. So while you’re struggling to produce your best work, rest easy knowing your eraser’s new ‘do might surprise you when you’re done.
 
 
 

Glass Art by Martin Blank

Molten Nature from Ethan Steinman on Vimeo.

Image: daltonicfilms.com

American glass artist Martin Blank gives viewers an inside look into just what it takes to mould molten glass lava into sculptures of art. From blazing furnaces that melt red-singed liquid glass to the bustle of teamwork that goes into producing a single ornament, the video captures the sizzling fun of playing with fire. Blank has his work exhibited in museums around Canada, the States and China. The successful artist is based in Seattle and the video is a sample of a day in the life of Martin Blank Studios.
 
 
 

Google Street View Hyperlapse

Google Street View Hyperlapse from Teehan+Lax Labs on Vimeo.

Image: designandprojects.com

Teehan+Lax Labs has worked their magic to create some incredible visuals inspired by Google Street View . Hyper-lapse photography is becoming increasingly popular on online video sites. The technique uses time lapses and sweeping camera movements to develop a rollercoaster view of the world. Photographs of different locations are carefully weaved together to streamline the video map. Experimenting with hyper-lapse methods and Google Street View, Teehan+Lax has put together a site powered with a WebGI interface that enables you to create your own hyper-lapse view of the world. Check out Google Street View Hyperlapse and get started on awesome experience.
 
 
 

Daft Punk: Random Access Memories | The Collaborators: Nile Rodgers

Image: nitversions.com

Image: rockfeedback.com

French electro dynamo duo Daft Punk have been making waves with their upcoming much anticipated new release Random Access Memories. The record is set to hit shelves May 21st but in the meantime the music giants are teasing fans with a web-series that takes a look at the album’s big-name collaborators. Crafted by The Creators Project, Random Access Memories: The Collaborators features interviews and discussions with names like Giorgio Moroder and Todd Edwards. The latest episode is a sit-down with RnB legend Nile Rodgers. Paul Williams, Pharrell Williams, DJ Falcon, Chilly Gonzales, Panda Bear and Julian Casablancas have also been named among the team of collaborators Daft Punk have recruited for their forthcoming sonic boom. Fresh from Coachella, you can listen to a snippet of their latest track with Rodgers and Pharrell called Get Lucky.
 
 
 

Fine Art Coffee by Mike Breach

STORYBOARD: The Fine Art of Coffee Portraiture from Tumblr on Vimeo.

Image: nowness.com

Image: nowness.com

We’ve seen portraits created through photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, and a host of other artistic pursuits. Barrister extraordinaire Mike Breach has found a new medium for crafting portraits… Latte foam! Sketching his work with a fine wooden stick, the New Yorker details the likeness of celebrities, cityscapes, animals or his customers onto their coffee. He uses his brush stick to swirl lines in the foam and create a colour palette in shades of brown, beige and cream. His creations last for a few minutes before they become a frothy mix of creamy goodness, but luckily he photographs them and adds them to his Tumblr before they disappear. Take a look at the video shot by the creatives at Tumblr Storyboard.
 
 
 

Black Diamond Brilliant 2-in1 Bluetooth Speaker

Image: nerdreactor.com

Designed by Yantouch, the Black Diamond Brilliant 2-in-1 Bluetooth Speaker can alter your music listening experience. With a built-in kaleidoscopic light display, the portable speakers can offer you good music connected through Bluetooth and some mood lighting to give you a great listening atmosphere. The clever gadget is integrated with an LED lighting display that is coordinated to change colour according to the beats-per-minute of the track you’re playing. The diamond-shaped light is embedded with 16 000 000 colours that can turn your space into a nightlife jam or a relaxing zone. The Black Diamond Brilliant 2-in-1 Bluetooth Speakers don’t just look good, they also produce good sounds with a powerful, thumping bass. A remote controller allows users to change both the lighting and the tunes with a tap of a finger.
 
 
 

Images: nerdreactor.com, nowness.com, daltonicfilms.com, thisiscolossal.com, tetedebois.it, thugkitchen.com, resourcefurniture.com, mashable.com, designsandprojects.com, nitversions.com, rockfeedback.com

Frazier is welcomed home a hero after a decade

When approaching a powerful chemical combination, one needs to be careful to not only get the balance right for fear of an explosion/meltdown, but also know what base is best to create the desired result. In the same vein PUMA have chosen it’s chemical base, the seminal Clyde; the perfect foundation on which to build a revolution. The history of the Clyde began with the man, Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier who took the New York Knicks to their only two league wins in 1970 & 1973. Earning the nickname ‘Clyde’ from donning a hat similar to Warren Beatty (who played Clyde Barrow) in Bonnie and Clyde, it seems fitting that the nickname this seven-time allstar earned was fashion centric considering his flamboyant off-court style which included showing up for games in a Rolls Royce and full length fur coats. Walt Frazier was the perfect combination of effective performance married with exquisite style. This essence of the man was concentrated into the first ever signature shoe, made by PUMA custom fitted to the man that would define swank. The Clydes have since become entangled in many histories from basketball, to hip hop to the skate culture and continue to remain popular even three decades into their production.

Co-Founder Eddie Cruz with Pharrell Williams

Undefeated is more than a store, it’s more than a brand, it’s more than an idea, Undefeated is a full-fledged institution and philosophy. Established a decade ago as a symbol of defiance in the face of fear, Undefeated produces lauded urban garments and street smart kicks which have become synonymous with respect, virtue and quality. Co-founders Eddie Cruz and James Bond are in their own right pioneers, but together they are the perfect mix of business savvy and street style. The filtering down of the brand from two legends into a collaboration of two mythic brands that stand shoulders above the rest only means that this combination is going to effectively blow up worldwide and continue to produce greatness.

The Strip-Off Clydes

The first drop of the collaboration between PUMA and Undefeated, dubbed the PUMA x UNDFTD collection, took a classic approach in a product branded ‘Stripe Off’ as the signature PUMA Formstripe was removed to give it a minimalist and classic look. With the Stripe-Off Clydes the signature gold-foil was moved to the heel and the tongue tag replaced with a debossed Undefeated logo. The classic PUMA FOT moved to the inside collar liner and was replaced with the Strike – the signature mark for the Undefeated PUMA Collection. The reception was incredibly positive proving the partnership effective and giving promise of a longtime collaborative effort.

The Cali-Canvas Clydes

The second drop in the PUMA x UNDFTD collection saw the return of the PUMA Formstripe  and presented itself this time in four canvas color-ways, blue, white, black and canvas beige. Dubbed the Cali Canvas Clydes, the entire upper took on canvas with the Undefeated logo featured on the tongue tag. The consistency of  the quality that has come out of the PUMA x UNDFTD collection thus far has only proven that the next drop is sure to be the most anticipated so far.

The Nylon-Rip Clydes

The third drop saw the product being kept under strict lock and key; seriously harder to break than Fort Knox. This was fitting seeing as the inspiration for The Nylon Rip Clydes happened to be the surge of military themed fashion hitting the streets. The Rip Stop material saw this becoming the most durable pair of shoes you could invest in without mentioning the evergreen classical style that has stood the test of time. Aside from the pearl white, the NRCs come in the darker military colours olive, navy and black. On top of that, the NRCs are complimented by a waterproof jacket further insure nothing short of an airstrike can take out your shoes.

The PUMA x UNDFTD collection is only really kicking off now, finding its feet and already the response has been enthusiastic with each drop building more excitement than the last. Two more drops are about to bombard us with high style and the product is in a league of its own with the quality speaking for itself. The partnership between PUMA and Undefeated will continue to push forward with each drop striving to do something completely new while still keeping the Clyde’s vintage style.