Pharrell Williams and Adidas will receive the coveted Shoe of the Year honor at the 2025 FN Achievement Awards on Dec. 3 in New York.
The Virginia Adistar Jellyfish by Pharrell Williams unites innovative design, creativity and cultural resonance.
“I dreamed of a shoe that felt alive, something that moved like water, that had its own rhythm, energy and glow,” Williams told FN. “The Virginia Adistar Jellyfish started as a really big idea that we kept pushing, shaping, refining until it became real. I wanted it to feel fluid, futuristic and free, not just another shoe but a living design. Seeing people connect with that spirit is the most rewarding part.”
Williams and Adidas have released hundreds of sneakers together — but the partners knew that they wanted to break boundaries with the Jellyfish. After more than a full year of building anticipation, the style debuted at retail in August in an orange style. (The last blue colorway launched last month in Las Vegas.)
“Pharrell’s partnership with Adidas continues to redefine what creative collaboration in footwear can look like, pushing boundaries in both design and storytelling,” said Michael Atmore, chief brand officer of Fairchild Media Group, editorial director of FN and editor-in-chief of WWD. “The Virginia Adistar Jellyfish reflects his singular ability to connect culture, community and craft.”
The much-anticipated FNAAs, often known as the “Shoe Oscars,” will celebrate footwear’s legends, style stars, hot brands, emerging talents and industry leaders at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City. The annual red carpet and awards ceremony marks its 39th year in 2025.
As previously reported, designer and philanthropist Tommy Hilfiger will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Top Row, from left: Erin and Sara Foster; Nordstrom; Michael Greenberg; Jude;
Bottom Row, from left: Jordan, Nina Christen, Ronnie Fieg, Tommy Hilfiger, Coco Gauff
Courtesy of companies
Here is the full list of honorees to date:
Shoe of the Year: Virginia Adistar Jellyfish by Pharrell Williams
Lifetime Achievement Award: Tommy Hilfiger
Person of the Year: Ronnie Fieg
Company of the Year: Wolverine Worldwide
Designer of the Year: Nina Christen
Retailer of the Year: Nordstrom
Brand of the Year: Jordan Brand
Collaboration of the Year: New Balance x Miu Miu
Style Influencer of the Year: Coco Gauff
Launch of the Year: Favorite Daughter
Emerging Talent Award: Jurgita Dileviciute and Denitsa Bumbarova
Hall of Fame: Michael Greenberg; Laura O’Brien; Massimo and Sabrina Bonini