words & images // Nick DePaula
video // Jotham Porzio
.jpg)
I've been to a ton of sneaker media events through the years. The general formula is usually the same: Signature guy hops up in front of assembled media scribes, talks about how comfortable his new shoe is, is done after fifteen minutes and then we all head off to an amazing dinner.
This wasn't that event.
[Dinner after was amazing, though.]
There was just a different feel in the room the entire time. I've never been apart of an orchestrated event that still was as emotional and powerful as the D Rose Collection launch held last month in Chicago. That's probably because there's also never quite been a combination of elements all coming together in the weeks leading up to an unveiling like this.
Rarely will you find a superstar player that's grown up in the same city he plays in, who's also experienced the same pitfalls many of its citizens are facing.
WIth violence unfortunately overtaking the city of Chicago at the start of the month and a city-wide school district crisis locking students out of classrooms, DRose had even turned to Twitter just two days before the event for an out-of-character plea to his city.
All of that context -- and of course, Derrick's ongoing rehab to fight back from his ACL injury -- made for an overwhelming atmosphere in his hometown.
Derrick wasn't just there to help launch another shoe, either, as adidas Basketball rolled out a full collection of Rose 3 sneakers, hoodies, tees and gear featuring his all new signature "DRose" logo, and his deep connection with Chicago.
With his mother Brenda and three brothers all on hand and sitting in the front row, you could really get a sense throughout the event of just how far the Rose family has come. It certainly wasn't lost on Derrick, who battled tears throughout as he put his journey into perspective.
Check out a video recap of the DRose Collection launch event held last month, in which adidas Basketball VP Lawrence Norman and Derrick Rose discuss and preview items from his new footwear and apparel line.
The full DRose Collection from adidas Basketball is now available on adidas.com.
