ADIDAS PHARRELL

First dropping in the summer of 2016, the adidas NMD Hu has become one of their most popular sneakers. One of many collaborative sneakers adidas has created with Pharrell, the nmd stands for nomad, combining old design concepts with new technology. A Primeknit upper is coupled with messages embroidered on the forefoot, a trademark of the Human Race collection (Hu) that Williams created. First launched in yellow, with green, red, burgundy, orange and mint shortly following, the sneaker has been one of the biggest hits for Williams and his collab with adidas, following the success of the Stan Smith and Superstar collections.

Rumors grow that German sportswear giant adidas were set to announce a collaboration with Pharrell Williams – adding him to their roster or artists and designers that at the time included Katy Perry, Kanye West and Stella McCartney among others.

The first drop consisted of Pharrell-favorite Stan Smith sneakers in three bold colorways known as the ‘Solid’ pack, and the classic superstar track jacket in leather with contrasting three stripes.

The ‘Tennis’ collection follows – boasting a felt-like upper version of the Smith paying homage to the sport the shoes were originally created for.

The Superstar gets the rainbow treatment with the launch of the Superstar Supercolor pack. In total, the classic silhouette came in 50 different colorways, spanning right across the color spectrum. That year the company announced it had sold 15 million pairs of Superstars, outperforming and outselling all other adidas styles.

A trip to Paris’ Marché Saint Pierre inspired Williams’ Jacquard pack. Limited to 200 pieces, the cropped floral jacket donned the classic three stripes with the Stan Smith sneaker receiving the same treatment.

William’s brings in NYC based Todd James, British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, U.S. photographer and director Cass Bird, and Japanese contemporary artist Mr., to create the Supershell collection – with each adding their own unique take on the Superstar’s iconic shell toe.

William’s turns his attention to the ZX running collection with the PW ZX333.

The first Pharrell designed NMD is spotted in yellow. It’s later revealed to be part of the Human Race collection.

Short for human (being, race, kind – according to Williams), the Hu – often referred to as Human Race – collection drops for the first time. Alongside an apparel line, the collection features the first official appearance of the NMD after it was spotted on Pharrell earlier that summer. The shoes feature adidas Primeknit uppers, white boost midsoles, and a new lacing system in which laces are woven through the stabilizer of the shoe’s cage. The collection becomes a hit for the duo and continues to be updated.

As if creating the hottest new drop in sneakers wasn’t enough for Skateboard P, he released a collection of Hu NMDs for babies.

The star teams up with adidas Tennis for the QUIET PLEASE campaign, taking over a tennis court in Harlem. Williams appears alongside adidas Tennis hot shots atop one of the ten custom-made umpire chairs spread across Manhattan with his manifesto of love and positivity. Pharrell also announces that adidas will partner with NYC Parks Department to refurbish an aging tennis court, and a tennis scholarship program.

Straight off the back of the campaign Pharrell brings 70s retro chic to the three stripes with a tennis-inspired collection.

The now highly popular adidas x Hu collab brings a hiking collection.

How hot can a sneaker be? So hot that even Chanel wanted in on the game. The Pharrell x Chanel x adidas Hu NMD is launched with a price tag of 1,000 EUR in colette, Paris. They resell for over 10,000 EUR.

The star’s third signature originals silhouette is released. The SOLARHU runner drops with a full-length Ultra Boost midsole, and of course a colorful Primeknit upper.

William’s brings his streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club to the Hu NMD.