Pharrell Goes Sneaker Shopping With Complex

Complex2 minutes read

Pharrell delves into his sneaker design process, drawing on childhood dreams and ambition, recounting encounters with brands like Bape and Adidas, and highlighting collaborations with Chanel and Adidas, including the new Seachona silhouette inspired by indigenous communities.

Insights

  • Pharrell's sneaker designs are deeply rooted in his childhood dreams and ambition, drawing inspiration from brands like Airwalk and Vision Street Wear that influenced him in his youth.
  • Collaborations with brands like Adidas and Chanel showcase Pharrell's attention to detail and unique design inspirations, with limited edition releases like the Pharrell NMD reflecting his innovative approach to sneaker creation.

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Recent questions

  • What childhood dreams influence Pharrell's sneaker designs?

    Ambition and childhood dreams inspire Pharrell's sneaker designs, as he discusses in the summary. He emphasizes the importance of these dreams in shaping his approach to designing sneakers, reflecting on his early interest in footwear and the impact of his youth on his creative process.

  • How did Pharrell get his nickname "Skateboard P"?

    Pharrell acquired his nickname "Skateboard P" through his passion for skateboarding and music. The summary mentions that he recalls wearing affordable Vans and admiring Jordans in his youth, showcasing his early connection to skate culture. This nickname reflects his multifaceted interests and influences in both skateboarding and music.

  • What brands influenced Pharrell's early interest in sneakers?

    Pharrell's early interest in sneakers was influenced by brands like Airwalk and Vision Street Wear, as mentioned in the summary. These brands played a significant role in shaping his passion for footwear design and laid the foundation for his future collaborations and projects in the sneaker industry.

  • How did Pharrell's encounter with Nigo impact his sneaker designs?

    Pharrell's encounter with Nigo in Japan had a profound impact on his sneaker designs, as he discovered Bape sneakers and admired the attention to detail and design. This experience influenced his creative direction and collaborations, showcasing the importance of global inspiration and cross-cultural influences in his work.

  • What inspired Pharrell's collaboration with Adidas on the Seachona silhouette?

    Pharrell's collaboration with Adidas on the Seachona silhouette was inspired by his first pair of Adidas shoes and his partnership with the brand, as highlighted in the summary. He emphasizes the design elements of the Seachona and the collaboration with indigenous communities for inspiration, showcasing his commitment to cultural diversity and innovation in sneaker design.

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Summary

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Pharrell's Sneaker Design Journey and Collaborations

  • Pharrell discusses his approach to designing sneakers, emphasizing childhood dreams and ambition in his work.
  • He explains the origin of his nickname "Skateboard P" and recalls wearing affordable Vans and coveting Jordans in his youth.
  • Pharrell reflects on his early interest in sneakers, mentioning brands like Airwalk and Vision Street Wear.
  • He recounts his encounter with Nigo in Japan, where he discovered Bape sneakers and admired the attention to detail and design.
  • Pharrell discusses his collaboration with Adidas, inspired by his first pair of Adidas shoes and his partnership with the brand.
  • He shares his experience with Viacom blurring out his sneakers in the "Drop It Like It's Hot" music video, leading to increased interest in the shoes.
  • Pharrell talks about iconic sneakers like the Nard Dunk and the Roadster collaboration, highlighting the inspiration behind each design.
  • He discusses his collaboration with Chanel on the Pharrell NMD releases, mentioning Karl Lagerfeld's involvement and the limited edition nature of the shoes.
  • Pharrell introduces the new Adidas silhouette, the Seachona, emphasizing its design elements and the collaboration with indigenous communities for inspiration.
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