BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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The collaboration between Adidas Originals and Willy Chavarria for the Spring/Summer 2025 (SS25) collection is an evocative celebration of culture, identity, and activism. Unveiled during New York Fashion Week, the collection, aptly titled “América,” transcends mere fashion to weave a narrative rich with Chavarria’s Mexican-American heritage and his powerful message on social justice. The SS25 collection is a dynamic mix of high fashion, sportswear, and political commentary, capturing a sense of community and unity through its bold designs.
Chavarria’s design language has always been about pushing boundaries, and for this collaboration, he stayed true to his ethos, creating a collection that celebrates both the simplicity and complexity of his cultural identity. The collection, which includes 22 looks from the adidas partnership, showcases an intricate blend of exaggerated silhouettes, reworked workwear, and a balance between utilitarian and elegant elements. Key pieces, such as heavy cotton t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatpants, and zip hoodies, are adorned with Chavarria’s branding and adidas’ signature three-stripes, offering a mix of functionality and style that defines contemporary streetwear culture. This blend of athleticism and high fashion is a central theme, with each garment carefully crafted to reflect Chavarria’s vision of fashion as both a statement and a means of expression.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Adidas Originals x Willy Chavarria SS25 collection is the revival of the iconic Jabbar sneaker, originally designed for NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Chavarria reimagines the sneaker in two unique forms: the Jabbar Low and the Jabbar Dress. The Jabbar Low features a wider frame, fold-over tongue, and premium materials, offering a more refined and elevated take on the classic basketball shoe.
Available in various colorways, including tonal black and off-white with blue accents, the Jabbar Low combines comfort and style in a way that nods to its heritage while looking forward to the future. Meanwhile, the Jabbar Dress takes a sophisticated approach, merging the form of a dress shoe with the style of a sneaker, making bold statements with its animal prints and narrower toe box. Both iterations exemplify Chavarria’s approach to footwear, merging practicality with high fashion.
Cultural and political influences are at the heart of this collection, where each piece serves as a tribute to the often-overlooked contributions of Mexican immigrants to American society. Chavarria’s message is clear–fashion can be a platform for activism. The collection features collaborations with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and United Farm Workers, underscoring Chavarria’s commitment to highlighting the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities. Pieces such as the UFW crewneck sweatshirt add depth to the narrative, inviting wearers to stand in solidarity with the causes that matter most.
The launch of the SS25 collection at Paris Fashion Week also included a memorable activation that resonated with the brand’s ethos of community. A vintage lowrider Chevy Impala, decked out in exclusive Adidas x Willy Chavarria merchandise, made its way around Paris, culminating in an unforgettable stop outside the show venue. Fans and fashion enthusiasts who were lucky enough to receive special tickets were granted access to limited pieces through the adidas CONFIRMED app, with pickups available at the adidas Originals flagship store in Paris. This immersive experience highlighted the brand’s innovative approach to merging fashion, culture, and technology.
The adidas Originals x Willy Chavarria SS25 collection is not just about aesthetics; it is a powerful statement on the role of fashion in fostering dialogue and creating change. By fusing sportswear with high fashion and infusing every piece with meaning, Chavarria has crafted a collection that is as thought-provoking as it is stylish. For those seeking to embrace a piece of this collaboration, limited products are available, including the highly coveted Jabbar Dress sneakers in both black and off-white, as well as the signature short sleeve tee, all of which embody the spirit of the collection–bold, unapologetic, and unmistakably Chavarria.
This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of fashion to influence and inspire, blending craftsmanship with cultural commentary in a way that is both visually striking and socially significant. It’s a collection that speaks to the times, reflecting both the challenges and triumphs of the communities it represents, while offering an elevated perspective on what fashion can achieve when it steps outside the bounds of traditional design.
