Wales Bonner and adidas Originals Celebrate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Fall/Winter 2025 Capsule
adidas Originals and Grace Wales Bonner have reimagined a storied partnership with basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, releasing a Fall/Winter 2025 capsule that honors the icon’s cultural and sporting legacy. Available globally since September 8, the collection bridges archival design and contemporary storytelling, reinforcing Wales Bonner’s reputation for elevating sportswear into cultural luxury.
Central to the capsule is the WB Jabbar Lo, a modern reworking of the 1970s adidas Jabbar silhouette. Suede uppers, alternating Three Stripes, and gold foil “sky hook” detailing on the tongue pay homage to Abdul-Jabbar’s signature move while nodding to his broader artistic and athletic career. Apparel pieces mirror this blend of sport and culture: a dragon-embroidered track top references his acting work, paired with matching premium track pants, while tank tops, shorts, and a two-pack of long socks evoke basketball heritage and team colors.
The campaign, captured by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, emphasizes narrative-driven visuals. Model Jecardi Sykes embodies Abdul-Jabbar’s influence, with archival clips and jazz-infused sequences layering history and culture into a cinematic short film. The result positions the collection not just as footwear and apparel, but as a platform for storytelling that spans sport, art, and music.
The release cements Wales Bonner’s ongoing collaboration with adidas Originals, building on her reinterpretations of archival silhouettes like the Samba and Gazelle. For adidas, it continues the brand’s strategy of leveraging its heritage through forward-thinking designers. For Wales Bonner, the capsule demonstrates her ability to fuse design, legacy, and cultural commentary, delivering products that resonate both on the court and in global fashion discourse.
The adidas Originals by Wales Bonner Jabbar collection is now available through adidas.com, the Confirmed app, and select global retailers.
Images courtesy news.adidas.com