Created for basketball, adopted by the pioneers of streetwear, championed again and again by each generation, the Superstar is the original icon that made a journey from sports to culture. Having launched “The Original” campaign earlier this year, the brand with the Three Stripes returns to present the next iteration of its new global platform: shining a light on the trailblazing influence of the Superstar.
Drawing on the iconic silhouette’s legacy of transcending cultural spaces, “Superstar, The Original” campaign adopts a living stage as its backdrop. Offering a striking ode to both the original Superstar colorway and its stripped back iconicity, the scene is captured in dramatic high contrast black and white as a cast of heroes show off the magnetism of being an Original Icon.
Directed by visionary photographer and filmmaker Thibaut Grevet, whose dreamlike aesthetic has revolutionized fashion and music imagery, the campaign brings together an unprecedented roster of cultural trailblazers who exemplify what it means to be an Original Icon – individuals who have defined their respective fields through innovation and authenticity.
Legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson narrates the film, lending his distinctive voice to a narrative that spans generations of cultural innovation. The campaign stars a multi-generational cast of original voices: cross-generational cast of original voices: multi-award-winning songwriter and producer Missy Elliott, skateboarding legend Mark Gonzales, NBA sensation Anthony Edwards, Memphis multi-platinum powerhouse GloRilla, American Singer Songwriter Teezo Touchdown, global music icon JENNIE, and boundary-pushing model and actress Gabbriette.
“The Superstar has always been more than just a sneaker – it’s a symbol of originality and a spark for cultural change,” said Annie Barrett, Vice President of Marketing at adidas Originals. “From street corners to global stages, it’s been worn by those who don’t wait for permission to lead. This campaign isn’t about looking back – it’s about spotlighting a new generation of Originals who are building what’s next, unapologetically”.
The campaign unfolds in two chapters. First up, “Pyramids,” a powerful teaser seeing Samuel L. Jackson reflect on enduring monuments to human achievement that withstand the test of time – drawing a parallel between these ancient structures and the lasting cultural impact of the Superstar.
The second chapter: “Clocks,” a hero film that brings together the complete cast of seven cultural icons together in a singular powerful statement.
At the heart of it all stands the Superstar, returning in two classic colorways alongside the iconic Firebird Tracksuit. The Superstar, with its enhanced padding in the tongue and collar, defined an influential era of creative expression in the late 90s, becoming the footwear of choice for artists, musicians, and skaters who pushed cultural boundaries. Complementing this silhouette, the Firebird Tracksuit has remained in the cultural spotlight since 1967, continuously embraced by style pioneers and musical innovators worldwide.
It just takes one.
Before there can be a thousand.
Superstars are the ones who build crowds, instead of joining them.