ADIDAS WRITES ‘IMMA BE A STAR’ INTO HISTORY WITH HARDEN VOL. 1

Press release

As a freshman in high school, James Harden wrote his dreams onto paper with a simple note promising his mom, ‘Imma Be A Star.’ The Houston Rockets point guard has reimagined the definition of his position and continues to leave his mark on NBA record books as he lives out the goal he created nearly 13 years ago.

To inspire future stars of the game and commemorate the note his mom has kept to this day, adidas introduces a new chapter to the story of Harden Vol. 1.

“As every young kid, you have dreams…you have aspirations. You ask for things when you’re a kid and one day, I asked my mom for some money and I wrote her a note,” Harden explained. “It said, 'Could u wake me up at 7:00 and could u leave me a couple of dollars. P.S. Keep this paper. Imma be a star.’

“You have those visions when you’re younger and you just don't know how to get to them,” Harden continued. “I was one of those kids who figured it out and didn’t let anything stop me.” 

Designed in black Primeknit with flecks of gold, Imma Be A Star exudes Harden’s early confidence and is proof of the path he’s creating in the game. Gold accents featured on the Harden Mark, lace tips and three stripes contrast a black suede toe shroud and full-length BOOST TPU wrap, while the original note is showcased as a repeating graphic print on the sockliner.

Stay tuned this week as adidas and James invite fans to share stories with their own notes on @ProjectHarden.

Imma Be A Star drops November 23 at Titan for P8,995.   

Follow the conversation @adidashoops on Twitter and Instagram with #HardenVol1.   

JAMES HARDEN AND ADIDAS WAKE THE GAME UP WITH HARDEN VOL. 1

Press release

MANILA, Philippines – October 26, 2016 – adidas and James Harden reimagine the signature shoe game with the debut of Harden Vol. 1. The collection represents the first chapter of the collaborative partnership that began October 1, 2015 with the goal of co-creating footwear and apparel unlike any signature line in sport.

Driven by Harden’s performance needs and embracing his distinctive design insights, Harden Vol. 1 embodies James’ creativity and expressive style on and off the court. adidas continues to reinvent collaboration and Harden Vol. 1 is a bold challenge to the traditional creative process.

“This was my first time creating a shoe from the ground up. With adidas, we wanted to stand for something different, be true to who we are and that’s how we separate ourselves,” Harden said. “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and all the work we put in together is what makes this genuine. We’re open to each other’s opinions and we weren’t going to just put shoes on the shelves and say ‘This is James Harden.’ It’s built for how I play and you’ll see my style, different moods, the little details and stories that represent who I am.”

Harden added, “People always ask me, ‘How are you different?’ It’s hard to explain how you’re different but the shoe explains it for me.”

Pioneer – the first edition of Harden Vol. 1 – celebrates the championship game performance of a young, beardless No. 13 who scored 22 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished three assists and recorded two steals on the way to winning his second-straight California state title in high school. The silhouette is designed with a black knit upper, white leather toe shroud and red accents that pay homage to where his journey began. The championship date (March 24, 2007) is featured on the left sockliner with his game stats on the right sockliner.

WITHSTAND THE PRESSURE

Full-length BOOST cushioning provides unparalleled energy return, while a premium toe shroud – developed from Harden’s need to guard against defenders stepping on his feet – creates comfort and protection, unstitched design for natural movement and on-court durability.

NEXT LEVEL CONTROL

Advanced generative software analyzed James’ stress patterns on-court and built unique data driven sub-structures, creating a traction pattern specifically tuned for Harden’s disruptive change of pace and stop on a dime gameplay.

FIT TO CREATE

Asymmetrical lacing provides adaptive support and removes pressure from the top of the foot for quick cuts and deceptive Eurosteps, while a mix of knit and mesh material executions across various colorways stay true to fine-tuned performance benefits and Harden’s off-court style.

“We begin to think about chapters of our journey with James and this is only Vol. 1,” detailed Brian Foresta, vice president of design, adidas Basketball. “If you have the confidence to wear Harden Vol. 1, step out from the norm and decide to be something new in the game of basketball, then you don't rely on the old recipes. Nor does James and nor do we. I love that he pushed us in that direction.”

Redefining performance apparel, Harden’s signature collection is dressed to sweat without sacrificing his unprecedented style. Cross-functional pieces utilize multidimensional design elements for versatile on and off court transitions, balanced by exaggerated fits and a variety of tonal executions. The collection features breathable protection, secure storage, asymmetric wrapping and layered comfort true to both Harden’s game and basketball DNA.

“Harden Vol. 1 offered us the unique opportunity to reinterpret the traditional view on creating signature product,” added Foresta. “From developing his logo, to translating signature details and color executions, we set out to create something that is striking even at a distance and embodies everything James represents on and off the court.”

The Harden Vol. 1 identity challenges the traditional signature formula and features the Harden Mark, original typography and three stripe executions exclusive to James’ footwear and apparel. A visual expression of the way he disrupts the game, the Harden Mark implements design cues from the circle at center court, while the letter ‘H’ uniquely fuses with the brand’s iconic three stripes.

Signature details are subtly built into Harden Vol. 1 through coded language that ties back to family, including the birthdates of his grandmother (left shoe) and mother (right shoe) molded onto the heel. James’ own signature is also located on the medial side of both shoes on the toe.

Harden Vol. 1 Pioneer launches in Manila on November 23 for P7,995, with additional colorway drops throughout the season. The apparel collection is available this fall.

WHAT IF WE ALL STOPPED BEING CREATIVE?

Press release

James Harden highlights how creativity is the lifeblood of basketball in new adidas campaign

adidas tips off its latest global brand campaign Basketball Needs Creators, starring Houston Rockets point guard James Harden.  The new film debuts November 21 during the Houston Texans versus Oakland Raiders Monday Night Football game on ESPN.

Basketball Needs Creators poignantly highlights how creativity is what makes the game great, at every level. Harden asks the question “What if we all stopped being creative?” and shows what the basketball world would look like without the lifeblood of creativity.

Featuring cameos from Wheeler (Marietta, GA) High School, pro skateboarder Nakel Smith and adidas Basketball’s Global VP of Design Brian Foresta, Basketball Needs Creators empowers players around the world to harness their own creativity to change the game in unique ways.

“James Harden’s creativity both on and off the court is his true differentiator across all sports, not just basketball” said Ryan Morlan, adidas' VP of Brand Communications. “James continues to reinvent the game and his new position this season, by infusing his unique style individually while creating opportunities for teammates at a record pace. Basketball clearly needs creators to drive the game forward and James is the torch bearer of this evolution.”

Basketball Needs Creators is the third and final chapter of the adidas SPORT 16 campaign that builds upon the belief that all athletes are #HereToCreate, following Football Needs Creators staring Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Sport Needs Creators featuring Harden, Pogba, Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller of the Denver Broncos, two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, 2015 National League Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs, rookie guard Moriah Jefferson of the San Antonio Stars, and top NBA Draft selections Brandon Ingram of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets.

Fans can view Basketball Needs Creators at www.youtube.com/adidas and follow the conversation on Twitter and Instagram via @adidas #heretocreate.

JAMES HARDEN AND ADIDAS WAKE THE GAME UP WITH HARDEN VOL. 1

Press release

MANILA, Philippines – October 26, 2016 – adidas and James Harden reimagine the signature shoe game with the debut of Harden Vol. 1. The collection represents the first chapter of the collaborative partnership that began October 1, 2015 with the goal of co-creating footwear and apparel unlike any signature line in sport.

Driven by Harden’s performance needs and embracing his distinctive design insights, Harden Vol. 1 embodies James’ creativity and expressive style on and off the court. adidas continues to reinvent collaboration and Harden Vol. 1 is a bold challenge to the traditional creative process.

“This was my first time creating a shoe from the ground up. With adidas, we wanted to stand for something different, be true to who we are and that’s how we separate ourselves,” Harden said. “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and all the work we put in together is what makes this genuine. We’re open to each other’s opinions and we weren’t going to just put shoes on the shelves and say ‘This is James Harden.’ It’s built for how I play and you’ll see my style, different moods, the little details and stories that represent who I am.”

Harden added, “People always ask me, ‘How are you different?’ It’s hard to explain how you’re different but the shoe explains it for me.”

Pioneer – the first edition of Harden Vol. 1 – celebrates the championship game performance of a young, beardless No. 13 who scored 22 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished three assists and recorded two steals on the way to winning his second-straight California state title in high school. The silhouette is designed with a black knit upper, white leather toe shroud and red accents that pay homage to where his journey began. The championship date (March 24, 2007) is featured on the left sockliner with his game stats on the right sockliner 

WITHSTAND THE PRESSURE

Full-length BOOST cushioning provides unparalleled energy return, while a premium toe shroud – developed from Harden’s need to guard against defenders stepping on his feet – creates comfort and protection, unstitched design for natural movement and on-court durability.

NEXT LEVEL CONTROL

Advanced generative software analyzed James’ stress patterns on-court and built unique data driven sub-structures, creating a traction pattern specifically tuned for Harden’s disruptive change of pace and stop on a dime gameplay 

FIT TO CREATE

Asymmetrical lacing provides adaptive support and removes pressure from the top of the foot for quick cuts and deceptive Eurosteps, while a mix of knit and mesh material executions across various colorways stay true to fine-tuned performance benefits and Harden’s off-court style.

“We begin to think about chapters of our journey with James and this is only Vol. 1,” detailed Brian Foresta, vice president of design, adidas Basketball. “If you have the confidence to wear Harden Vol. 1, step out from the norm and decide to be something new in the game of basketball, then you don't rely on the old recipes. Nor does James and nor do we. I love that he pushed us in that direction.”

Redefining performance apparel, Harden’s signature collection is dressed to sweat without sacrificing his unprecedented style. Cross-functional pieces utilize multidimensional design elements for versatile on and off court transitions, balanced by exaggerated fits and a variety of tonal executions. The collection features breathable protection, secure storage, asymmetric wrapping and layered comfort true to both Harden’s game and basketball DNA.

“Harden Vol. 1 offered us the unique opportunity to reinterpret the traditional view on creating signature product,” added Foresta. “From developing his logo, to translating signature details and color executions, we set out to create something that is striking even at a distance and embodies everything James represents on and off the court.”

The Harden Vol. 1 identity challenges the traditional signature formula and features the Harden Mark, original typography and three stripe executions exclusive to James’ footwear and apparel. A visual expression of the way he disrupts the game, the Harden Mark implements design cues from the circle at center court, while the letter ‘H’ uniquely fuses with the brand’s iconic three stripes.

Signature details are subtly built into Harden Vol. 1 through coded language that ties back to family, including the birthdates of his grandmother (left shoe) and mother (right shoe) molded onto the heel. James’ own signature is also located on the medial side of both shoes on the toe.

adidas releases Crazylight 2016 James Harden Arizona State University

Press release

The latest James Harden Crazylight 2016 drops and pays tribute to James’ alma mater: Arizona State University. 

James' path to the NBA took shape at ASU, where he created a style all his own as a lights out three-point shooter with Eurostep drives to the rim. 

“Arizona State helped mold me into the man I am today and this is my chance to show love, respect and how much they mean to me,” James explained. “I’ve been up there practicing this summer and it’s one big family. You find certain things in life, and you get attached to them. It’s no different with ASU.” 

The ASU edition Kicks feature a light gray jacquard upper, maroon detailing and Harden’s No. 13 badge accented in gold on the tongue. Crazylight 2016 incorporates full-length BOOST cushioning, a TPU forefoot roll cage and reengineered fast traction to amplify control at all angles of play.

The Crazylight 2016 ASU Edition is already being sold in Titan stores for P7,995.