Jared Ebanks Alongside the official unveiling of his first signature shoe, Anthony Edwards was welcomed back to his hometown of Oakland City, Georgia this weekend in Southern style. From the appearance of a custom Lamborghini to the adidas AE1, the 3-Stripes honored the Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star with a days-worth of commemorations to his deep-rooted ties to Atlanta.
The day started off at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Center where Edward’s held his third annual AE5 basketball camp. Fostering encouragement and skill development within the next generation, Ant-Man trained with the youth in the same gym he grew up in. Boasting a magnetic charisma and a commitment to giving back to the community that instilled so much in him, Edwards then rewarded the camp’s attendees with the first official look at his signature silhouette, the adidas AE1.
Pulled out from a cream leather duffel bag, Edwards held the bright peach colorway in his hands as the group of kids gravitated toward the BOOST-cushioned silhouette to get a closer look. Encapsulated by a ventilated geometric TPU upper, the sample pair’s aerodynamic aesthetic was an instant hit as voices pipped up interrogation if they could fit into the size 9 that he held.
After switching out from a pair of white and silver tour Campus 80s to his own signature, Edwards then took a sentimental trip to his childhood home where he presented the silhouette to one of his most significant inspirations – his grandfather.
Later that evening, the observance came to a culmination at the AE Homecoming Celebration. Introduced to the crowd surrounded by a marching limited dawning shirts that held his “Believe That” slogan, Edwards’ pastel-treated footwear blended seamlessly with the titular pink backdrops and signage as he posed for photos in front of the custom wrapped Lambo.
Taking center stage at the climax of the evening, Edwards was joined by City Council Members who presented him with the honor of marking August 5th as “Anthony Edwards Day” in Atlanta. As recognitions and tributes were read off, Edwards looked to a lengthy pink banner that pulled away to reveal a heartfelt mural dedicated to both his family and passion for the game. Painted on the side of the brick building are the faces of Edwards and his family alongside his signature logo, silhouette and slogan.
However, the evening’s festivities weren’t quite concluded, as Edwards then welcomed his brother and rapper – bdifferent – to the stage alongside fellow Oakland City native –Lil Baby. Decked out in full 3-Stripes gear, the Grammy Award winner sported the same peach colorway as Ant for the nightcap performance.
Just a few feet away from the blasting speakers, a Georgia peach-colored cargo container held Edward’s inaugural two-toned colorway. Set atop a geometric pillar and behind a velvet rope, the artistic detailing behind the AE1 stood out in a museum-like setting. While specific technical details have yet to be revealed, the adidas AE1 has been tailored with meticulous precision to match Edward’s versatile bag on the court. Anthony Edwards first signature is scheduled to release this December, headlining the banner’s on-court discography that includes the likes of Damian Lillard, Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell. In the meantime, enjoy a detailed look at the silhouette here.
Photos courtesy of adidas Basketball
