Following their latest partnership with Chinatown Market a few weeks back, PUMA has announced its latest collaboration with LA-based designer Rhuigi Villaseñor and his brand R H U D E. The duo have joined forces for the release of the PUMA X RHUDE collection.
The brand was established in 2015, bringing a dualistic approach to menswear, featuring minimalist aesthetics while at the same time re-contextualizing the streetwear genre.
As part of the first collaboration, the design teams reached into the PUMA archives to infuse classic suiting techniques, unexpected patterns with bold colours into a unisex collection, which features both footwear and apparel.
The range of items from the collection feature a prominent PUMA logo, which has been combined with R H U D E’s unique iconography. The PUMA X RHUDE range creates a minimalistic appeal with bold undertones and contrasting features to stand out from the pack. The design approach was to bring the rebellious mindset in a stylish, unconventional manner.
Included in the collection are three silhouettes, the PUMA CELL Alien R H U D E, the PUMA Palace Guard R H U D E, as well as the PUMA Alteration R H U D E. The CELL Alien silhouette has been updated with a dark mesh base, tied in with synthetic leather overlays on the upper. This sits atop the chunky sole in a light beige colour with silver reflective hints on the eye stays, toe box and heelpiece. The CELL technology is still visible in the form of a splashy green menthol, providing an eye-catching twist.
The Palace Guard, a vintage basket silhouette, features a mix of soft, two-tone hues in suede, leather and nylon on the upper. Added to the look are the randomly placed stitching and perforated form stripe to give the shoe an unfinished look. The sneaker also features the iconic PUMA Basket ’68 OG Mid R H U D E with overlays in a light suede, dark details on the upper. The contrasting aesthetic is finished with a clean rubber midsole in pebble to complement the metallic form strip.
Lastly, the PUMA Alteration, which has received iconic status of late, features a neoprene upper with suede overlays with dark detailing onto the tongue and heel. Contrasting the look is the eye-catching menthol green supplement, in addition to the two-tone vintage-looking midsole.
The PUMA X RHUDE collection is set to drop on 9 August 2019, and will be available at PUMA Select stores, Archive, X-Trend Store, Hipkicks, Superbalist and selected retailers across the country. The collection will be available at different price points.
