Featuring the WB Jabbar Lo sneaker and campaign imagery by Oliver Hadlee Pearch
adidas Originals partners with designer Grace Wales Bonner to debut a capsule collection celebrating basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The project builds on the athlete’s historic relationship with adidas, dating back to the 1970s when he became one of the first basketball players to sign a signature shoe deal with the brand.
At the heart of the collection is Abdul-Jabbar’s iconic sky hook, a motif repeated across apparel and footwear as a unifying graphic. Wales Bonner interprets Abdul-Jabbar’s multifaceted legacy—athlete, actor, activist, and cultural figure—through a mix of archival references and contemporary design.
The apparel range draws directly from Abdul-Jabbar’s story. A premium track top embroidered with dragon artwork nods to his acting career, while a basketball tank and shorts highlight his time on the court. A two-pack of socks pays subtle homage to his professional teams through color references.
The footwear centerpiece is the WB Jabbar Lo, a modern update of the original adidas Jabbar silhouette from the 1970s. Details include a suede upper, alternating Three Stripes, and a gold foil sky hook graphic on the tongue—blending heritage with Wales Bonner’s modern touch.
Photographed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, the campaign features model Jecardi Sykes in portraits inspired by classical composition, styled as a living echo of Abdul-Jabbar. A short film combines campaign imagery with archival footage and the athlete’s own words, layered with a jazz soundtrack—honoring Abdul-Jabbar’s enduring love of the genre.
The adidas Originals by Wales Bonner Jabbar collection launches worldwide on September 8, 2025, available via adidas.com, the Confirmed app, and select global retailers.
