Last week, PUMA announced its first-ever collaboration with London-based luxury streetwear imprint Aries, after debuting a tease of the collection at PUMA’s New York Fashion Week show in February 2024.
Blending PUMA’s heritage with Aries’ luxe-streetwear aesthetic and signature graphics, the partnership riffs on racing and kitschy aesthetics, mixing modern and nostalgic references into one breakneck vision. The genderless collection is highlighted by statement graphics as well as experimental knitwear and double nylon pieces, paired with a crafted selection of accessories and footwear, including an Aries take on the iconic PUMA Mostro.
The collaboration capsule includes a moto-mesh long-sleeve tee featuring a selection of Aries custom graphics, as well as the knitted cardigan printed with an original digital print. A lace-knit tight tee incorporates cycling inspiration and is made from an original knitted jacquard, while the garment-washed oversized tee features a fierce “PUMA” graphic with an airbrushed motif playing on Aries’ branding of ancient mythology. The water-repellent nylon lightweight jacket and lightweight pants once again make use of a digital print featuring a “PUMA” skeletal x-ray graphic. Playing on kitsch codes, accessories like the PUMA x Aries Cap and very Mini Grip Bag evoke ‘80s and ‘90s mall aesthetics.
For the footwear, PUMA and Aries turn their attention to the incomparable Mostro and iconic Suede. The Mostro is the hero of the collaboration and is reworked with a mixture of mesh, neoprene, and suede on the upper. Aries’ take on the Mostro also features an elastic closure with an adjustable toggle at the rear. The Suede comes with a rubberized mudguard, leather toe cap, and special graphics on the heel and tongue.
PUMA and Aries call on acclaimed New York photographer Mark Luckasavage who effortlessly captures the PUMA x Aries collection through a spectral, filtered lens. Portraits and candid images comprise the campaign, which imparts the impression of a tainted daydream to reflect the ethos of the collaboration.
PUMA x Aries launched last week Thursday, 5 September 2024 exclusively at Shelflife.
