adidas originals Superstar Campaign: Bringing Superstardom to the Street

Superstar: Is not what you think it is… In 1969, when adidas first launched the Superstar shoe, the meaning of ‘Superstar’ was clear-cut! Today, the word has been corrupted to the point of confusion. Inspiring creative courage, the adidas Originals Superstar Campaign is a provocative movement, one which aims to reclaim the word and meaning of ‘Superstar’. And taking centre-stage in the adidas originals Superstar Launch 2015 are global icons Rita Ora, David Beckham, Pharrell Williams and Damian Lillard.

The iconic adidas Originals Superstar shoe has forged its way through history. From its humble beginnings as highly technical performance footwear designed for basketball courts, to integrating into the hip-hop scene in the ’80s, to various innovations and collaborations – it has always maintained its integrity! In 2015 adidas Originals begins its homage to the shoe that started a movement… The Superstar Vintage Deluxe.

Even though the Superstar’s quintessential design has its roots in sportswear, the timeless silhouette has broken those boundaries and goes beyond the constant flux of fashion trends. The connections between skateboarding culture, hip-hop, fashion and prominent figures have been prevalent throughout the history of adidas Originals Superstar. Starting with Run-DMC’s endorsement deal with adidas in 1986, which included the track ‘My adidas’ on their bestselling Raising Hell LP. A tune that set the tone for future relationships in the entertainment industry.

And then in the late ’80s Mark Gonzales signed with adidas Skateboarding, a move that would legitimize the relationship between skate culture and adidas forever. In 2004, adidas Originals Superstar celebrated their 35th Anniversary with the #SS35 campaign, consisting of 35 collaborative shoes. The final product was the #35 model, which was handmade entirely from the most luxurious leather – right down to the shelltoe and even the outsole! The masterpiece was presented in a large white case, adorned with gold-plated hardware and a matching cleaning kit. The few reproductions of the shoe have become collectors’ items that initiated the inspiration for the following decade of sneaker culture.

Even though adidas Originals Superstar has maintained its authenticity and class, the 21st century environment that we live in has altered the core meaning of what encompasses being a true superstar. Today, people regard ‘Stardom’ as being referred to by your first name, having fans who are interested in what you eat for breakfast, and how many ‘Likes’ or followers you have.

Fabrizia Degli Esposti, adidas Originals Brand Marketing and PR Specialist, speaks with conviction: ‘Social media has completely redefined the concepts of self-expression, originality and creativity and throughout 2015, the campaign will question the need for external validation and celebrity worship. The campaign is aimed at inspiring creative courage without the need for external validation, and makes it very clear that whether it’s 1969 or 2015, there is no short cut to being a Superstar.’

So, what does it mean to be a ‘Superstar’?

‘It’s not about trying to be the next big thing.’ – David Beckham

[Nor is it] ‘about having your name on a flag or a jersey’ – Damian Lillard

adidas Originals | #OriginalSuperstar

In the short film (featured above) from adidas Originals and directed by Karim Huu Do, the star-studded cast decree that they are not superstars – flipping the longstanding idea of ‘Superstardom’ on its head. And that’s exactly what the launch of adidas Originals Superstar is all about. Challenging the old notion of ‘Superstar’ and reclaiming the meaning of this word. When David Beckham began his career, all he wanted was to be the best football player he could be, and Pharrell had a compelling need to create music. Whilst these ‘Superstars’ have all had different creative journeys, their original motivations from when they started out remain intact. Fame was just a by-product of their originality, hard work and dedication.

For the adidas Originals Superstar Launch 2015, the message is clear: being a true Superstar is being original and having the courage to create without external validation. With your pair of adidas Originals Superstar’s, laced up or down and placing you firmly on the ground, you can be the #originalsuperstar you were born to be.