Adidas

Definition

adidas is a multinational corporation that designs and manufactures sports shoes, clothing, and accessories. Established in Germany in 1949, it has become a key player in the sportswear industry, closely associated with hip-hop culture and street fashion, particularly through its collaborations with influential artists and athletes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. adidas gained prominence in the hip-hop scene during the 1980s, especially with Run-D.M.C.'s hit song 'My Adidas' which celebrated the brand.
2. The iconic three-stripe logo of adidas is widely recognized and has become a symbol of athletic and street culture.
3. adidas has collaborated with numerous artists and designers, including Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, merging high fashion with hip-hop aesthetics.
4. The brand sponsors major athletic events and athletes, enhancing its visibility in both sports and popular culture.
5. In addition to shoes, adidas produces a range of apparel that reflects the influence of hip-hop style, making it a staple in streetwear fashion.

Review Questions

• How did adidas establish its connection with hip-hop culture in the 1980s?
  • adidas established its connection with hip-hop culture primarily through the groundbreaking collaboration with Run-D.M.C., who famously wore the brand's sneakers without laces as a fashion statement. Their song 'My Adidas' not only highlighted their love for the shoes but also represented the broader intersection of music and fashion during that era. This partnership helped cement adidas as a cultural icon within the hip-hop community and showcased how sportswear could transcend athletics to become a significant element of lifestyle branding.
• Discuss the impact of collaborations between adidas and hip-hop artists on sneaker culture.
  • Collaborations between adidas and hip-hop artists have significantly influenced sneaker culture by merging music, fashion, and personal expression. These partnerships often produce limited edition sneakers that become highly sought after by fans, driving both brand loyalty and cultural relevance. For instance, Kanye West's Yeezy line has not only created a new standard for sneaker design but has also demonstrated how music artists can dictate trends in the fashion world. These collaborations highlight the evolving relationship between celebrities and brands within streetwear.
• Evaluate how adidas has influenced trends in streetwear through its marketing strategies within hip-hop culture.
  • adidas has strategically influenced streetwear trends by aligning itself with prominent figures in hip-hop and investing in creative marketing campaigns that resonate with youth culture. By sponsoring artists and events that celebrate urban music and lifestyle, adidas has successfully positioned itself as more than just an athletic brand; it has become a cultural staple. This approach allows adidas to tap into the values of authenticity and creativity that are central to both hip-hop and streetwear. The brand's ability to stay relevant by adapting to changing cultural landscapes showcases its deep understanding of consumer identity within these communities.

Related terms

Streetwear: A style of casual clothing that emerged from urban culture, often incorporating elements from hip-hop, skateboarding, and sports.

Sneaker Culture: A subculture focused on the collection, trade, and appreciation of sneakers, often tied to music genres like hip-hop.

Collaboration: A partnership between brands and artists or designers to create unique products that merge fashion with personal artistic expression.