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

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