In the 1970s, adidas and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar inked their partnership with one of basketball’s first signature sneakers and in the process changed the sporting landscape forever. Since their first collaboration, the brand with the Three Stripes and the legendary sportsman, actor, writer, and activist have continued to embody true originality. Now, for Fall Winter 2025, adidas Originals by Wales Bonner writes a new chapter in the storied relationship, honoring Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy with a capsule collection crafted in the designer’s quintessentially considered style.
The collection itself channels the cultural icons inimitable style, bringing back Abdul-Jabbar’s signature on-court move ‘the sky hook’ as a consistent logoed motif. A track top features embroidered dragon artwork in homage to Abdul-Jabbar’s acting career and is accompanied by matching premium tack pants. A tank top and shorts celebrate basketball heritage, while a two pack of instantly recognizable long socks are delivered in colors reminiscent of Abdul-Jabbar’s two professional teams.
The footwear offering sees Wales Bonner bring back the adidas Jabbar silhouette in colours with a deep connection to Abdul Jabbar's sporting and artistic career. The WB Jabbar Lo recontextualizes the 70s sneaker with a full suede upper, Three Stripes with alternating colors, and gold foil sky hook artwork on the tongue.
Captured by photographer Oliver Hadlee Pearch, the campaign amplifies Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy through storytelling and aesthetics synonymous with Wales Bonner. Inspired by classic portraiture, model Jecardi Sykes embodies the spirit of the icon, with elements in each photo speaking directly to Abdul-Jabbar’s history and personal style. The images are then interspersed with archival clips and direct quotes in a short film punctuated with Jazz, in honour of both the genre’s lasting cultural impact and Abdul-Jabbar’s personal love for its rhythm.
The adidas Originals by Wales Bonner Jabbar collection is available globally on 8th September 2025 at adidas.com, via Confirmed, and through select retailers.
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About WALES BONNER:
Wales Bonner proposes a distinct notion of cultural luxury that infuses European heritage with an Afro Atlantic spirit.
Launched by Grace Wales Bonner following her graduation from Central Saint Martins in 2014, the label is informed by broad cultural research and embraces a multiplicity of perspectives.
Established as a menswear brand, Wales Bonner’s soulful tailoring soon expanded to womenswear. Grace Wales Bonner has received numerous awards including Emerging Menswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards (2015), the LVMH Young Designer Prize (2016), Winner of the British Fashion Council/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund (2019), CFDA International Men's Designer of the Year (2021) and Independent British Brand at the Fashion Awards (2022). Wales Bonner has collaborated with brands including adidas Originals, Anderson & Sheppard, and Dior.
Stockists include, Selfridges, Net-a-Porter, Mr. Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks 5th Avenue, Nordstrom, Dover Street Market International and Boon the Shop.
Grace Wales Bonner’s institutional exhibitions include A Time For New Dreams, Serpentine Galleries London (2019) and Artist’s Choice - Spirit Movers at the Museum of Modern Art, New York (2023) with accompanying publication Dream in the Rhythm: Visions of Sound and Spirit in the MoMA Collection (2023). Grace is currently leading a four-year research project, titled Between Critique and Hope, at the University of Applied Arts Vienna.
About adidas Originals:
Inspired by the rich sporting heritage of adidas – one of the world’s leading sports brands and a global designer and developer of athletic footwear and apparel – adidas Originals is a lifestyle brand founded in 2001. With the adidas archive at its foundation, adidas Originals continues to evolve the brand’s legacy through its commitment to product innovation and its ability to filter the creativity and courage found on courts and sporting arenas through the lens of contemporary youth culture. Marked by the iconic Trefoil logo that was first used in 1972 and championed by those that continue to shape and define creative culture, adidas Originals continues to lead the way as the pioneering sportswear brand for the street.