As we enter the building one thing becomes obvious. This is not your average signature-shoe presentation. Instead of going with some fancy, shiny place to reveal the Harden Vol.1, Adidas took the „keep things away from average“ approach. They have chosen a place to fit their new main man’s appeal. Something special for a special player, a guy that sets himself apart from your average NBA player in so many respects.
Looking around, all we see, are brick walls and some black curtains. On the right we spot a little wall that has different letters written on it, keep it for later, though. For now, we simply follow the light. The dim light, to be accurate. Just light enough, to be seen, it leads our way through a tiny opening between the curtains into a room that is all dominated by a logo. Almost like a shrine, it oversees the scenery. Some light bulbs hint where people are supposed to look – and go.
Besides the huge emblem there are three main spots. Every single one reserved for one of the designers, that helped create the Adidas Harden series and of course the Harden Vol. 1. At this point it might be interesting to know, that back in the hotel we were told we, as a part of a small group of five, would have about seven minutes with the three designers.
A Shoe for James Harden by James Harden
So we start talking. We ask about the design. About how the shoe came to life. How James Harden took influence in the process. And, apparently, he took the whole thing quite seriously. He gave input, shared his ideas, at the same time being open to what the designers had to offer. They, on the other hand, fitted the Harden Vol. 1 perfectly to the Beards game.
For example, when tests showed that no other players stops quicker on the dime than Mr. Harden, they took the seamless approach while connecting the toe-area to the rest of the shoe. They allow it to move a little, so that Harden has got enough room to stop.
Usually you do not get that much of an insight into the creation of a signature shoe. Pretty interesting stuff, we, of course, do not want to withhold from you. The only thing you need is a little patience, though. Because there is a lot more to come on the Adidas Harden Vol. 1 once the shoe hits the racks.
At this very moment, I’ll only tell you that, looking at my dictaphone, I suddenly realize that seven minutes have effortlessly turned into 16. A problem? Well, for now thins are good. But wait a couple of minutes.
Minimalistic yet Fancy
First we have to leave the light. Certainly not without taking some of those – as we were about to find out – delicious Harden-shaped gummy bears, though. Just a couple of steps and we are back at where we started. Again, we face the wall. Again, we keep it for later. At this very moment, we have much greater things in mind. But we have to wait.
Finally, though, there is the sign we have all been waiting for. Finally, we may enter the main hall. Now imagine, the one moment you have been looking forward to for weeks is finally here. Entering the arena, I anxiously look around – again, the light is dimmed, by the way. Straight ahead there is a video wall playing clips of James Harden. On the right I spot two hoops, the paint beneath is – well – painted on the floor by thin lines of light. Pretty impressive. Just as the whole setting.
It’s minimalistic yet fancy in its own right. I can even spot the stage that will take the stage later on. I see the four colorways, Adidas first releases the Harden Vol. 1 in. The Pioneer. The Home. The Gila Monster. And of course the Cargo – my personal favorite.
There He Is
At this particular moment, though, the shoe is nothing more than a slight distraction. I am still looking for a certain someone. And after I turn left, there he is. In the far left corner of this massive hall sits James Harden on a little chair. Alone. No one is taking notice but us. Well, then I wake up and see the crowd.
Nevertheless, we begin to approach the afternoon’s main man. Once we get there, Harden is just talking to our colleagues from the states. We still manage to sneak around to get some pictures. Our great moment is still to come, anyways. Or is it? „You’re next“, we’re told. This going to be awesome, I think.
Disappointment
Then all of a sudden, Harden rises. Maybe he just has to stretch out a little, I hope. Apparently, he needed a little walk to go along with the stretching, though. In the blink of an eye, James Harden is gone. Without talking to us. Did we talk to the designers for too long? Well, it probably did not make a difference. Man, I would be lying if said we weren’t the slightest bit disappointed.
Because, as I said, meeting an NBA superstar never gets old. Missing out on doing so by a minute, sure does. On the other hand, that is probably just the way the cookie crumbles. Sometimes you win. Sometimes just have to enjoy two incredible concerts together with the Houston Rockets, James Harden, Ashanti and a couple of hundred of kids going crazy.
Because that is just what we did. After crossing the path of Patrick Beverley, Nene and Corey Brewer we find our way to the stage, positioning us right across the runway from Ashanti. Not purposely, of course. We watch Patrick Beverley and Corey Brewer having fun with their kids, joking around.
Then, the show begins. It’s getting darker and James Harden opens things with a well written speech consisting of roughly twelve words. We see hoodies, jackets, shorts, tank tops. Everything decorated with Harden’s brand new logo. Adidas puts on quite a show.
A Very Likable Outing
Even more so, when they call Slim Thug to the stage and the hometown hero starts to rock H-Town big time. In the mean time, Harden is just sneaking around the stage. He watches the show, does not seek the spotlight. Sometimes he smiles. He seems happy, content, yet far from cocky or overly self-absorbed. We even spot him in the last row. A very likable outing.
When Slim Thug brings his performance to an end, we figure that he has just done the same with the whole event – which is probably as far from reality as Dennis Rodman was from a decent haircut in his Bulls days. Granted, people have to wait a little while.
New Moves, Mr. Harden?
Then, the crowd goes nuts. Travis Scott enters the stage, calls the kids to the front, even brings Young Thug with him to perform one track. People love it. James Harden loves it. When his name is called, he shows of some pretty decent moves we might even spot in the course of his next drives to the hoop.
It’s funny, though. Although, the whole event is all about James Harden and his new sneaker, he is not demanding anything. In the end, Harden simply thanks everyone for coming out. No „Look at me“, no „I’m the man“ just a simple thank you, then he wants to leave.
Thank you, Adidas Basketball!
Not so quick, though. Not before the DJ greats him with Run DMC’s „My Adidas“. Basically, that is all, that was left to say. Adidas Basketball welcomed James Harden into their signature family big time. And they brought KICKZ along. What an honor. What a trip. Thank you very much for having us, Adidas Basketball!
Sorry, almost forgot about the wall. So there you go:
Sunday, Oct. 23rd, 12.30pm, Houston: What’s the best way to finish up a weekend in the States? That’s right, a rich American breakfast at one of those classic diners Americans love so much. Our choice: Frank’s Grill. Apparently, though, the area, this hidden gem is located in, isn’t too used to seeing tourists anywhere close. People there probably rather expect a crocodile walking in to have breakfast with his best friend, the parrot, than three Germans carrying their bags. Yet, in Texas apparently that’s a good thing. You may not always agree with the things, Americans say or do, but never blame them for not being friendly or welcoming. They always seem to be happy to meet someone from a country far away. And they always let you know, they are. So after being greeted with the promise, that everything, Frank has to over, is simply delicious, we deliver our choice to the friendly waitress. It’s a mix of fried chicken, waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, toast and a burrito filled with meat, egg, hash browns and, of course, cheese. Quite the stunner for an empty stomach. Being pored coffee whenever our mug seemed only half empty did the rest. The real stunner was about to follow, though. All of sudden, the waitress tells us that our ticket has been taken care of. To be honest, we didn’t quite know what to make of that. So we turn around, and there is this Texan gentleman, a man, we hadn’t been talking to before, standing at the counter. He comes back to pick up his wife and gives us a friendly look. Our question whether he has paid for our breakfast is simply answered with a shy grin and the wish that we enjoy our stay. His wife then tells us, that they had figured, we are from Germany, that they hadn’t expected anyone from that far to make their way to Frank’s and that they therefore had wanted to give us a little something. To be honest, I’m still a little stunned. What a gesture. What a finish to an amazing trip. Because now, we’re back at the airport. Next Stop: Amsterdam. Then: Munich. Thank you, Adidas!
Saturday, Oct. 22nd, 6pm, Houston: Walking through a city you’ve never been to before, is always an interesting experience. Usually those cities are not even close to what you have expected – which makes the whole thing even better. With Houston I didn’t know what to expect, though. Sure, I knew we flew here to watch Mr. James Harden reveal his first ever signature shoe with Adidas. Everything else, though, remained unknown. But don’t we all love surprises. Sometimes, at least. Cause sometimes, there are surprises you would have avoided as firmly as Charles Barkley avoided a nutritionist, if you just had had the choice. But more about that later. So we arrive at this brick building just outside downtown Houston. And I like bricks – as long as they don’t come after a three by Jimmy Buckets, D-Wade, Rondo, Dougie McBuckets, or… you get the concept. So, ffter passing the compulsory metal detector, we’re finally there. We’ve reached the place we have left Munich for. The set up is minimalist. Black curtains separate the single rooms, light is dimmed until reading your notes makes you think about your next appointment for an eye examination. Somehow we manage not to get lost or hurt by running into a column. We even manage to find the three designers responsible for the Adidas Harden Vol. 1 and the matching apparel. A nice chat arises. Information is passionately passed on to us, and we enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as well as the interesting stuff, the designers have to tell.
At the same time, I’m a little nervous, though. Because, you know, meeting an NBA superstar never gets old. Moreover, being nervous before a big game helps you bring your a-game. So no worries. A couple of minute go buy and we are led into pretty impressive hall. Huge billboards of James Harden set the tone. Two hoops lead the way – right to a corner where people surround one single guy with a beard. There he is. James Harden, ladies and gentlemen. Which brings us right back to those bad surprises everyone loves so deeply. Because, you know, something that was supposed to happen didn’t happen. But more about that next week. Have to process it first
But show must go on. So, after Nene, Patrick Beverley, Corey Brewer, K.J. McDaniels and Ryan Anderson have found their way into the VIP area, after Ashanti has found her seat in the front row, the show begins. And what a show they have put together. After James Harden opens everything with a well written speech that comprises of exactly 12 words, the Harden collection is presented. Nice, right? But we’re not done yet.
The fashion show is followed by a performance by Slim Thug which wouldn’t be too bad in its own right. Nevertheless, we’re not finished yet – even though the following break almost seems like the whole thing is over while somebody has simply forgotten to let everyone know about it. Anyways, patience makes you a better person. And it pays off. Travis Scott hits the stage, and as soon as they have found out how to properly use the mic, the place is on fire. Even more so, when Young Thug enters the stage to accompany Mr. Scott who later invites the event’s main man on stage. James Harden shows that he definitely knows his moves even off the court and the crowd goes nuts – which brings a sweet little afternoon in Houston, Texas, to an end. Back at the Hotel, we still have some time left though. Well, since we fly back tomorrow, not too much time, but I’m sure there are more things to come. So don’t walk away…
Saturday, Oct. 22nd, 8.45am, Houston: This is it. We’re all set and ready. After a good night’s sleep (desperately needed), we can’t wait for what’s about to happen soon. And I’m not talking about breakfast here – although I’m kind of looking forward to some scrambled eggs to start the day off well- no, I’m talking about our plans for today. The only problem: I cannot tell you about them, at the moment. You just need a little more patience. Meanwhile, I’ll take you back a couple of hours to walk the streets of Houston with us. Walking in between those skyscrapers always brings up a special feeling. It’s like walking a canyon of concrete. Yet a canyon covered with flashy lights, loud sirens and cars that originally were built to tear down houses. Man, those pick-ups. Welcome to Texas, ladies and gentlemen. But Houston is not only your beloved, typical American city, it is also the two capital B’s and the capital Q. BBQ, my friends. I started the Texas experience off with some Brisket Tacos. And God, I fell in love. Biting your way through some lettuce, diced tomatoes and finally barbecue sauce you hit some slowly smoked, hence amazingly tender, incredibly juicy and tasty meat. Party in my mouth! I didn’t even envy the guy’s dishes. Although they looked no less delicious – and usually food is always better on another one’s plate. But as much as I’m done, fantasizing about food, we were done for the night. 20 hours of travel plus rich food had taken their toll on us. So we went back to the hotel. And here we are. Ready for whatever may be waiting for us. What it is going to be? For one last time, we just have to wait and see.
Friday, Oct. 21st, 5.30pm, Houston: Texas is the state, Houston the city. We’ve finally made it to the Lonestar State. And of course it’s been quite a journey. After all, almost 20 hours of traveling leave lots of room for all different kinds of stuff to happen. So imagine having just arrived at Houston airport, all that’s left to do, all that’s wanted at this particular moment, is getting to your hotel, take a shower and grab something to eat. Well, not so fast. First comes the immigration – and a line that could easily lead the way from Houston all the way to Dirk-Town. Luckily though, there is this tiny little line that two of the three of us are magically lead towards. And then, there comes Phil. Seeing us, he almost begs the nice lady, who makes the calls, to let him follow our lead. Because, you know, after all we’re traveling together. Well, sorry, sir. No chance! So we smoothly go through customs while poor Phil is suddenly trapped in the middle of a traffic jam, New York City’s rush hour would be proud of. So another hour goes by, before we’re finally able to board our cab to downtown Houston. Leaving incredibly green trees behind, we hit the highway. There is no city to be seen, though. Just concrete, huge billboards and loads of cars. Welcome, to the US. Welcome to Texas. Nevertheless, the feeling is great. Like a little kid, I watch everything that passes our way – until we I finally spot the first skyscrapers. With every second they grow bigger and bigger, painting this classic American silhouette on the horizon. Suddenly we spot the Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros and right across the street from our two-day home away from home. The shower is so close. Last thing in the way? The check-in. Nothing can go wrong from here, right? Right! It’s done – which leads to the deciding question: what are we up to in Houston. First, we’ll sure as grab some rich Texan meal. Then? We’ll just have to wait and see…
Friday, Oct. 21st, 9.30am, Paris: What a journey. 90 minutes above the clouds. And of course the French don’t serve you with some kind of dodgy sandwich, no, when you fly with the French you get pampered. Pain au Chocolat is just good enough. Well fed we arrive in Paris. The scenery has changed, the weather? Not so much. Grey clouds spit out the same strings of rain they had already offered us in Munich. Hence, knowing that Paris is just the beginning, helps quite a bit. So there we sit. Waiting for our next plane to get ready for boarding. Again we have some time to think about the things ahead. Next? Texas. Then? We’ll just have to wait and see…
Friday, Oct. 21st, 6.00am, Munich: So this is it. Getting up at 4 in the morning might not at all feel like hitting a game winner in game 7 of the Finals, but you gotta do what you gotta do, right? After finding out that meeting in one of Munich’s subways can get a little tricky, we finally made it to the airport – and through security. Waiting for our plane to get ready for boarding, we now have some time to think about the things ahead. First? Paris. Then? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see…