The All-New Pharrell Williams x Adidas 'Solar Hu' Collection Draws Inspiration From East Africa
If you're a fan of either Pharrell Williams or Adidas, then you've probably caught a glimpse of the uniquely colorful tribal patterns designed by Pharrell on an Adidas apparel before. Continuing their heralded partnership, the two have recently unveiled their latest collaboration called the "Solar HU" on August 18.
The entire collection draws inspiration from the life and spirits of East African tribes (around Kenya, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Ethiopia). The distinct color palette also took inspiration from East African themes and tribal designs, resulting in three NMD Hu models, two Tennis HU V2, and a SOLARHU TT FZ jacket.
The NMD models feature the seamless Primeknit weaving technology that enables the tribal marble-like graphic patterns, as well as different colorways and embroidered text on the forefoot. Each of the three color options features unique wordings like “M0TH3R” and “L4ND” on the pink-blue-yellow pair, “3MP0W3R” and “1N5P1RE” on the yellow-black-red pair, and Swahili words “M13L3” (forever) and “MB3L3” (forward) on the mint-purple-orange pair. The NMD Hu are priced at 10,000 THB.
The sequel to the original Tennis Hu introduces a new suede overlay and leatherized lacing system, while specially designed to feel as if it was handmade. Primeknit weaving (same as in the NMD's) also makes its way back to the upper, subtly adding black accents to contrast each color scheme. The Tennis Hu V2 comes in two colors, yellow and red, and are priced at 5,300 THB a pair.
The SOLARHU TT FZ jacket summarizes the unique style of the collection through the innovative track top design. It features a bright red African-inspired graphics across the front chest area, a netted bottom half, and the words M0TH3R L4ND on both sleeves as seen on all the NMD shoes in the collection. The jacket goes for 8,500 THB a piece.
The "Pharrell Willams Solar Hu" collection is currently available at selected Adidas stores in Thailand. On the online store, however, the NMD shoes and the jacket have already been sold out. Only the two colorways of the Tennis V2 remain in stock but don't panic just yet. If you don't mind the shipping fees, you can still order everything from the collection through the US and UK online stores.
If you're still unsure whether or not this is your kind of collection, you might want to know that Pharrell doesn't put on his designer hat that often. It might take a whole year before you see another Pharrell designed apparel up for grabs, so don't wait up!