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East African Motifs Inspire Pharrell Williams adidas SOLARHU Capsule Collection

11.09.18 | By
East African Motifs Inspire Pharrell Williams adidas SOLARHU Capsule Collection

The adidas SOLARHU Capsule Collection is the epitome of global multiculturalism: a German athletic wear company partnering with an African American musical icon in the exploration of East African design motifs, each flourished with Chinese lettering.

Represented in four bold colorways – Power Blue, Clear Blue, Black, and White – each design evokes traditional East African weaving techniques across the sleek NMD silhouette, most notably along the printed collar. Adidas Originals partnership with Pharrell Williams has long explored the cultural inspiration beyond the traditional reach of hip-hop sneaker culture. This latest SOLARHU capsule collection is arguably the most inspired, with bold color combinations and rich textural patterns all harkening to traditional and modern designs from the African continent.

Reflective of the global reach of sneaker culture, each SOLARHU is embroidered across the Primeknit upper, spelling out ‘Empower’ and ‘Inspire’ in Chinese characters.

The collection of sneakers is accompanied alongside patterned tops and jackets flourished with similar East African textures and colorways.

The entire adidas Originals by Pharrell Williams SOLARHU NMD capsule collection is available November 10th at adidas Originals flagship stores, select retailers and online.

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.