The Original Icon: Celebrating 55 Years of adidas Superstar
Some things just last. They move beyond trends and become a part of our cultural fabric. The adidas Superstar is one of those things. For 55 years, this iconic shoe has made its mark, traveling from the basketball court to the forefront of streetwear and beyond. Now, adidas Originals is celebrating this enduring legacy with its latest campaign, “Superstar, The Original.”
Originally designed for basketball, the Superstar was quickly embraced by streetwear pioneers and has been a favourite of each new generation. It’s a symbol of originality and a catalyst for cultural shifts. This new campaign shines a light on the Superstar’s trailblazing influence and the magnetic pull of being a true original.
The campaign is brought to life in a dramatic, high-contrast black and white style, captured by the visionary photographer and filmmaker Thibaut Grevet. His dreamlike aesthetic, which has left a significant mark on fashion and music imagery, provides a striking backdrop for a diverse group of cultural innovators.
And what a group it is. The legendary Samuel L. Jackson lends his unmistakable voice to narrate the campaign, guiding us through a story of generational innovation. He’s joined by a multi-generational cast of trailblazers: the multi-award-winning songwriter and producer Missy Elliott, skateboarding icon Mark Gonzales, and NBA sensation Anthony Edwards. The lineup also includes Memphis’s multi-platinum artist GloRilla, American singer-songwriter Teezo Touchdown, global music icon JENNIE, and the boundary-pushing model and actress Gabbriette.
The campaign unfolds in two parts. The first, a teaser called “Pyramids,” features Samuel L. Jackson drawing a parallel between the enduring legacy of ancient monuments and the lasting cultural impact of the Superstar. The second chapter, “Clocks,” brings the entire cast together in a powerful statement about timelessness. As Jackson’s narration points out, “Icons don’t follow time, they set it.”
At the center of it all is the shoe itself. The Superstar is back in two classic colourways, accompanied by the equally iconic Firebird Tracksuit. The sneaker, with its enhanced padding in the tongue and collar, was a defining element of creative expression in the late ’90s for artists, musicians, and skaters. The Firebird Tracksuit has its own rich history, remaining a cultural staple since 1967.
