Introducing The PUMA x STAMPD Desert Storm R698

PUMA joins forces with luxe contemporary label, STAMPD, for a collaboration that captures the global sports brand’s deep sporting heritage and STAMPD’s knowledge of modern youth culture. The result is an impressive rendition of the iconic running silhouette, the R698 ‘Desert Storm’ to kick of STAMPD ATHLETICS by PUMA.

STAMPD founder, Chris Stamp, a west coast ‘Avant Street’ influencer, founded the label in 2011. Since then, the brand has made waves in the global street wear and contemporary scene with Chris Stamp being recognized as one of GQ Magazine’s Best New Menswear Designer's in the United States for 2015. STAMPD embraces modern youth culture that, along with its timeless appeal, creates high quality street wear products mixed with simple forms for the everyday consumer. 

Back in 1989, PUMA debuted their most advanced technology yet. Known as the Trinomic cushioning system, it was easily identified by the use of a hexagonal system in the sole that compressed and rebounded load. STAMPD have utilised the classic PUMA Trinomic technology in the R698 ‘Desert Storm’. Expanding on the iconic design of the PUMA R698, STAMPD adds its signature to the shoe - by simplifying the lines of the upper, combining a super soft nubuck leather, adding a 3M layer featuring STAMPD’s seasonal graphic across the heel. 

This drop makes way for what will be one of PUMA’s most exciting collaborations with the agenda setting menswear designer Chris Stampd in Autumn-Winter ’15. Using PUMA’s hero silhouette to impressively introduce and validate the collaboration and pave the way for its exciting future.

The PUMA x STAMPD R698 ‘Desert Storm’ will retail for R1999. The sneakers can be found at PUMA SELECT stores in Cape Town, Bree Street and Braamfontein, Johannesburg from 20 June.

PUMA Kicks Off June with First Thursdays in Cape Town and in Joburg

This week PUMA will be involved with #FirstThursdays in Cape Town and Joburg on 4 June 2015. The PUMA x ALIFE collection will be in the spotlight for #FirstThursdays. The collection seamlessly pulls together ALIFE’s diverse creativity while staying true to PUMA’s heritage. Through apparel, footwear and accessories the collection tells the story of Downtown New York; an integral part of PUMA’s rich street wear history. Bright prints play on key ALIFE landmarks that bring the collection to life. Influences include green photographic stills of the infamous in-store fish tank and the three-diamond logo of ARC (ALIFE Rivington Club), ALIFE’s members only boutique.

Nonku will be performing on the night in Joburg. Beer and food will be available in both cities.

You can tweet @PUMASouthAfrica on the night using #PUMASelectCT, #PUMASelectJozi or #PUMASelectZA.

See you there!

First Look: Craig Port – Black Moon Rising Autumn/Winter 2015 Fashion Campaign

Inspired by the juxtaposition of modern and ancient Japanese design, Craig looked to Eastern culture when conceptualising Black Moon Rising. The collection celebrates primordial philosophies with a bold and modern edge.

Shadow cobalt and plum tones compliment an inky monochromatic colour palette where abstract patterns rendered in black and white sit graphically on luxurious materials. Digital embroidery and dream-like shadow designs echo an Eastern aesthetic with a uniquely western feel.

Pieces within Black Moon Rising seamlessly merge functionality with clean Japanese silhouettes. Black-clad with component detailing, shielding coats and pocketed bombers are best paired with narrow cropped trousers and the season’s iconic voluminous pant.

The longer length suit jacket and blanket cape layer effortlessly over signature PORT collared shirts and weightless knits, and thoughtful fusion touches are evident in organic faux fur trims, sharp-shouldered belted overcoats and sueded Geisha inspired shoes. The new look moonbag worn high on the waist adds a touch of urban pop culture and the traditional karate belt makes a fashion forward comeback.

Leather, velvet chenille and wax-coated cotton is balanced by warmer cable knits, velveteen and space dyed fleece making for a compelling yet completely wearable and cohesive collection.

Introducing PUMA’s Bubble Gum Pack

FAAS 100 black

PUMA’s Fast Track programme has launched the Bubble Gum pack, a reimaging of the FAAS 500 v4 and FAAS 100 performance runners as lifestyle shoes.

The Bubble Gum pack FAAS 100 is the perfect low-profile silhouette, harnessing bright and uplifting colours. It features a layered mesh upper and a colour pop on the midsole in two strong colours - fuchsia red or black.

FAAS 100 fuchsia red

PUMA has also reintroduced an impressively lightweight FAAS 500 v4 in teal blue or black. Re-imagined as a lifestyle shoe, it is executed in textured mesh and finished with soft nubuck on the form stripe with overlays, giving a casual exterior.

FAAS v4 black

The Bubble Gum pack combines colorful and classic aesthetics with lightweight designs to produce an essential footwear collection. This pack becomes the perfect weapon for pounding the pavement due to its lightweight and breathable characteristics.

FAAS 500 v4 teal blue

The Bubble Gum FAAS 100 will retail for R1 799 and the Bubble Gum pack FAAS 500 v4 for R1 899, from the PUMA SELECT stores in Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg from 3 June 2015.

Coming Soon: The Second South African Menswear Week in Cape Town

Jenevieve Lyons, SAMW

The second South African Menswear Week (SAMW) will take place in Cape Town, South Africa over four days from Wednesday, 01 July to Saturday, 04 July 2015.   Following from the hugely successful inaugural event held at the beginning of February 2015 at the V&A Waterfront, the second event looks to build on the foundations of the first. SAMW is the only men’s focussed fashion platform in Africa, showcasing four days of menswear on the runway. This second event features even more  collections, showcasing the best of over 25 leading and most sought after menswear designers in Africa.

Naked Ape, SAMW

SAMW is a biannual event, with this second installment taking place in July to showcase the Spring/Summer (SS16) collections.  SAMW was initiated to celebrate the creative and commercial importance of South Africa and Africa’s menswear industry.  The February collections were considered a ground breaking event within South Africa’s fashion industry, firmly establishing the platform as the go-to, must show fashion week platform in Africa for menswear designers.

Augustine, SAMW

The line-up for the fashion showcase in July 2015 will host an impressive list of South African and African men’s fashion designers, ranging from emerging talent, to the up-and-coming, and the more established designers. Whilst the majority of February’s designers have signed up to showcase their new collections, there are numerous new and established big names joining the schedule for July.  The full schedule of designers will be announced on 01 June 2015.  Join SAMW and be the first to witness fashion forward trends, fresh designers and the launch of new collections.

The SAMW will work alongside the designers to develop business and profiling opportunities. This platform provides African talent to build brands and labels, increase exposure, which supports sales and assists in expanding business by creating job employment.  A focussed marketing platform designed to create and build awareness and demand for designers taking part, SAMW aims to create the next generation of menswear designers.

Craig Port, SAMW

Owner and founder of SA Menswear Week, Ryan Beswick said “We’re building on the success of the February collections, aiming to improve on all areas and develop the next level of African fashion week event.  Taking international best practice and combining it with what works for designers and the industry locally, we must retain our focus on a sound business case, with marketing and promotion opportunities for designers to take their brands to the next level”.

More details to follow closer to the date!

CSquared, SAMW

Image Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo