Puma partners Rhude’s Rhuigi Villaseñor
Sportswear brand Puma is due to release a new take on its Suede style of shoe on June 12, created in collaboration with Los Angeles-based luxury streetwear designer and Rhude creative director, Rhuigi Villaseñor.
Mr Villaseñor reportedly drew inspiration from hip hop, skate and basketball cultures for the designs, which come in both low- and mid-top models and together mark the first direct Rhuigi x Puma lifestyle partnership. (Previous co-designed models, such as the Cell King, Performer and Cell Endura, were all marketed as Rhude x Puma.)
The low-top features “whisper white” suede uppers and a tonal leather mudguard that climbs to the bottom two eyestays (the Suede usually comes without a mudguard), complete with the typical Puma formstrip rendered in a slightly distressed-looking juniper green colour to match the tongue tag. Here, Mr Villaseñor’s signature (simply his first name, Rhuigi, by which he is mainly known) takes the place of Puma’s leaping cat branding.
At the back, crocodile-effect leather surrounds a gold Puma cat logo, whereas Mr Villaseñor’s “Rhuigi” signature again features on the insole. Extra-thick laces and an aged yellow-look midsole round out the low-top design.
Less is known about the collaboration’s mid-top Suede at present, although the footwear reportedly comes in a darker, hairy suede upper, with leather details and overlays. Again, co-branded elements are complemented by thick, hip hop-inspired laces, this time with a two-tone look.
As yet unrevealed tracksuits, shorts, tops and t-shirts will also feature in the collection, all of which come in a washed look in neutral colourways, according to reports.
Image: Puma.
