James Harden Wore adidas x Gucci Collection Before Its Launch
Though the adidas x Gucci collection is available to the rest of us until June 7th, James Harden is already debuting pieces from the collaboration.
During the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Philadelphia 76ers Point guard's pre-game donned Gucci trousers and GG-embossed leather sneakers with two pieces from the soon-to-be-sold-out adidas x Gucci collection. For the top, Harden wore the pink, blue and red quarter-zip pullover inspired by 80s and 90s sportswear silhouettes. Larger versions of each brand's names are printed ower an all-over monogram print with Gucci's double GG and adidas' trefoil logo. The same logos decorate the large red duffle bag that Harden carried to complete his look.
Gucci's Creative Director Alessandro Michele showcased the collaborative collection with the German Sportswear brand back in February. Walking in the Italian fashion house's Fall 2022 runway show, sportswear-meets-luxury pieces: capes, sportscoats, clogs, and gazelle sneakers walked alongside mainstays Gucci embellished and embroidered outerwear, menswear suiting, and logo belts. This showing in Milan was Gucci's first home show in two years, and A list celebrities like a very pregnant Rihanna and boyfriend ASAP Rocky were perched in the front row getting their first look at the fashions.
James Harden, 32, may have had the hookup to access these pieces being a signed adidas athlete. Adidas signed a 13-year $200 million worth deal with the sportswear giant back in 2015, then resigned in 2017 for an additional four years worth $171 million, according to forbes.com. During his post-game interview after getting knocked out of the NBA semifinals by the Miami Heats, harden shared his excitement to train over the summer for the upcoming NBA season. "I’m excited. I’ve been trying to get right through the course of a basketball season for two years straight. And it’s like, it’s not it. You know what I mean? All last summer I was rehabbing. It was a little frustrating because I’m not used to going through something like that, but it is what it is. And I’m just happy to be healthy now. I’ve got a full summer to be straight and do the things necessary to come back even better next year," he told the press room, according to NBA.com.
While Harden enjoys training, I'm sure the rest of us cant wait to get our hands on some adidas x Gucci pieces. To preview the collection, visit gucci.com.