Pharrell Williams is giving Karl Lagerfeld a run for his money when it comes to amassing new projects. Currently he’s working on a T-shirt line for Uniqlo, a perfume for Comme des Garcons, designs sunglasses for Moncler and a denim line for G-Star. And that’s without factoring in his own label, Billionaire Boys Club, his I Am Other brand and the small matter of a heavyweight music career.

But apparently he still has time on his hands because he’s joined forces with adidas Originals on a longterm project. And he’s not just designing a collection. His textiles factory (yes, really), Bionic Yarn, has worked on special fabrics for the designs too, teaming up with Parley of the Oceans in order to transform plastic debris found in the oceans into fabric.

‘Working with an iconic brand like adidas is such an incredible opportunity,’ says Pharrell. ‘From the classic track suit, to growing up in Virginia wearing Stan Smiths, adidas has been a staple in my life. Their pieces are timeless.’

He joins an ever-growing list of high profile partners for Adidas – , Raf Simons, Yohji Yamamoto, Jeremy Scott and Rick Owens. But, in typically humble fashion, he tells WWD, ‘I’m definitely not on the level of these people, who are real designers and do this as a profession. I’m more of a student. Luckily over the years I have found great collaborators and business partners who have helped me share these ideas.’

Details of the adidas Originals x Pharrell Williams collection, which will drop this summer are under wraps for now so we’re scouring Pharrell’s recent wardrobe for clues.

Pharrell Williams: ELLE Man of the Week

Designers do sportswear