Pharrell and Adidas unveil a new version of the "Virginia Vario Flat Earther" The new premium soft suede editions designed to keep us grounded
adidas Originals and Pharrell have once again joined forces to breathe new life into one of the most iconic silhouettes to emerge from the adidas archives: the Virginia Vario Flat Earther. Brought back to the surface after years of absence, the sneaker originates from a reinterpretation of the adidas Yoga Vario, a model introduced during the FW04 season and originally designed for yoga. Through Williams' creative vision, the silhouette has now been completely reimagined as a contemporary lifestyle proposition, aligning with today's footwear trends.
At the time of its original release, adidas explained that the name Flat Earther stemmed from Pharrell's desire to create a shoe capable of providing a sense of grounding and balance while simultaneously encouraging a shift in perspective. A concept that continues to define the model's identity and is reflected both in its essential construction and in the philosophy accompanying its relaunch.
Available from June 20 in new black and blue suede colourways, the release follows the model's debut in April, when it was introduced in white leather with contrasting green or black details. This new interpretation features a premium suede upper that gives the sneaker a softer, more lived in dimension while preserving the minimalist character and streamlined aesthetic that define the Virginia Vario Flat Earther.
«Virginia is where it all began,» Williams stated during the April launch. «It all started with the Jellyfish, which allowed you to ‘float’. Now comes the Virginia Vario Flat Earther, the next chapter of Virginia. Low profile, close fitting and designed to keep us grounded. Close to the earth.» Virginia represents the cultural platform through which Pharrell connects his creative universe with his community, a multidisciplinary space encompassing music, events, limited edition products and creative experimentation, becoming a natural extension of his creative vision.
From a design perspective, the suede upper gives the silhouette a soft surface that enhances the cleanliness of its lines. The traditional lacing system has been replaced by a magnetic closure that enables an effortless fit, reinforcing the idea of fluid movement. The three white leather stripes run across the side panels, introducing a strong graphic element that references adidas' visual heritage, while the rubber outsole completes the construction and is finished with Virginia branding on the bottom.
In this context, the new release by Pharrell and adidas confirms adidas' ability to strengthen its cultural leadership through a constantly evolving system of collaborations, capable of engaging the desires of its community while expanding its aesthetic language beyond the boundaries of traditional sportswear.