Filipino artist Jappy Agoncillo collaborates with adidas on special edition of Donovan Mitchell's signature shoe

Filipino muralist and illustrator Jappy Agoncillo has collaborated with sports brand adidas on a special edition release of NBA star Donovan Mitchell’s signature shoe set to be released on June 10.

adidas announced the launch of the D.O.N Issue #2 “Origin Story” release on Friday, a colorway that features references to both Agoncillo’s and Mitchell’s roots.

The shoes’ upper features a halftone pattern, an ode to both Jappy’s love for superhero comic books and previous D.O.N issues influenced by comics. The outsoles also show a map of Elmsford, New York, Mitchell’s home state, on the right shoe as well as a map of Manila on the left.

Other design elements include tiger stripes (Agoncillo’s signature mark and also a nod to Mitchell’s middle school team), a wing tip icon representing the basketball star’s Louisville Cardinals, and jazz icons like Charlie Parker and Louis Armstrong, an homage to the Utah Jazz, Mitchell’s NBA team.

“The concept of the design is about honoring the past and looking towards the future. Taking inspiration from how D.O.N. was named after Donovan Mitchell’s ‘Determination Over Negativity’ mantra, the design pays homage not only to the history of wins and losses of Donovan, but also the endless possibilities that the future has in store with continuous hard work and determination,” Agoncillo said.

“We at adidas Philippines know and value the importance of being true to one's roots. Furthermore, the brand truly wants to stay consistent; to inspire and empower local talent,” adidas Philippines Brand Communications and Sports Marketing Manager JD Cortez.

“Like our past Filipino-inspired projects and through collaborations such as this, we are proud to give local artists like Jappy Agoncillo the platform to represent and illustrate the true essence of being Filipino beyond what the world already knows about us.”

The special edition is part of adidas Philippines’ initiative to support Filipino creators through hyperlocal releases, which include previous collaborations with toy designer Juanito “Quiccs” Maiquez and Gregg “Egg Fiasco”.

The shoe will be available at the adidas Brand Center and adidas.com.ph on June 10, retailing for P5,800, and will release in other adidas stores on June 12.

—JMB, GMA News