Musicians like Nas, Mary J. Blige and Maroon 5s Adam Levine have all flocked to the new stores to buy things those triple-stripped jogging suits that are occasionally used for jogging and tennis shoes that are rarely used for playing tennis (although Andre Agassi, an avid tennis pro sponsored by Adidas, may beg to differ).
Recently, rap star Missy Elliott took the celebrity appeal of Adidas to a whole new level. Basically, she wont leave home or get in front of a camera without "rockin her Adidas suit." Missys self-proclaimed love for the comfortable apparel and accessories has turned into something everyone can get their hands on a new brand of clothing called the Respect M.E. collection, which is perfect for ladies like Missy who have no desire to sport tight mini-skirts with painful high heels.
But Adidas was a success long before Hollywood hounds caught the scent of the stylish gear overseas designers started cooking up more than 30 years ago. Metropolitan areas like Italy and Argentina got a taste of the classic and sporty clothing years before the first U.S. location opened its SoHo, N.Y., doors in 2002.
The 2005 grand opening of Los Angeles Melrose Avenue store marked the brands 35th anniversary, and besides throwing private parties worldwide, Adidas is also celebrating by releasing limited edition sneakers. Each shoe in the "music series" features color schemes, laces and logos handpicked by industry legends like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Roc-A-Fella Records and Run DMC. Or forget about celebrity status and check out the "cities series" this collection allows customers to show some love for their favorite city on their feet.
It doesnt matter if you like your outfits to be laidback with a little flair or youre just looking for a cap to cover your hair, the Adidas Store has something almost everyone can wear.
Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Melrose Avenue location); Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (Third Street Promenade location). To find stores selling limited edition merchandise or for more information, visit www.adidas.com.