Two names achieving great success with adidas are focusing on the same silhouette: the Jabbar. Willy Chavarria, who made his Paris Fashion Week debut last month, is joining forces with adidas, as is British designer Wales Bonner. In 2025, Bonner and Chavarria will each release their own version of the adidas Jabbar.
Whether the two designers spoke during Paris Fashion Week or crossed paths in the halls of the adidas office, Willy Chavarria and Wales Bonner both seem to be focusing on the Jabbar—a well-known adidas basketball shoe.
Bonner had already been collaborating with adidas for some time, while Chavarria debuted his first collab in early 2025. Two names, two distinct styles—something for everyone.
The Adidas Jabbar was introduced in 1978 as the brand’s first sneaker collaboration with a basketball player, none other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The model features a sleek design with minimalist details. Now, 47 years after its initial release, the Jabbar has been revived as a lifestyle sneaker, and following several general releases, it is now getting two new collaborations.
The Wales Bonner x Adidas Jabbar comes in a striking fuchsia colorway, constructed from durable suede. Orange and purple details create a beautiful contrast against the upper.
The Willy Chavarria x Adidas Jabbar, on the other hand, features a leather upper. The red accents stand out against the black base, a signature element of Chavarria’s designs. Both versions have a modified toe cap reminiscent of the shell-toe design of the adidas Superstar.
It is not yet known when the two collabs will be released, but they are expected to drop in 2025. Stay tuned to the Sneakerjagers news page for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Willy Chavarria is an American designer and founder of the eponymous brand. Chavarria draws inspiration from Chicano culture and is known for his black and red tailored fits with a cult-like feel. In 2024, he was named CDFA American Menswear Designer of the Year. In 2025, Chavarria made his Paris Fashion Week debut and unveiled his collaboration with adidas.
Wales Bonner is a British-Jamaican menswear designer and the founder of her eponymous brand. Bonner is known for her tailored fits, drawing inspiration from both European and African cultures. In 2020, she collaborated with adidas for the first time—a partnership that has led to several successful releases, including the adidas Samba Pony Leo 'Dark Brown'.
The adidas Jabbar was introduced in 1978. The Jabbar was the first sneaker designed in collaboration with an NBA player, namely Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Today, the silhouette is also a beloved lifestyle sneaker.
