Media Release: Puma Reissue Boris Becker Og

AW’14 will see PUMA reissue the Becker OG, the classic mid top shoe, that a 17-year old Boris Becker wore during his famous and groundbreaking Wimbledon win.

Back for the first time, the Becker OG has been re-imagined for this season, and celebrates PUMA’s rich Tennis heritage.

It started in the 60’s, when PUMA’s German designers and developers really began to perfect performance sport shoemaking, considering human factors that other companies weren’t even thinking of yet.

PUMA’s heightened awareness of ergonomics helped it develop a new, innovative approach to footwear. These moulded shoes were made in Europe, with a super high quality, that was tough to replicate, moulding to the foot to enable greater support and comfort.

This design helped top athletes like Boris Becker play longer without fatigue. They became one with their PUMA shoes. This ‘cradling of the foot’ was a game changer. When coupled with that underdog style and tube socks, a unique sporting aesthetic was born.

A timeless classic made for the court but loved on the streets, the Becker OG merges the best of PUMA’s performance heritage and design language. The all white leather and bright red Formstripe sees the legend of Becker ready to be revived by a whole new generation.

A limited number of the Becker OG sneakers, retailing at R2499, will be available in South Africa from 25 October at Shelflife stores with more stock arriving in 2015. Keep an eye out on twitter @PUMASouthAfrica and pumaselect.co.za for further details.

From The Desk Of:  Christine Pearson | South African Public Relations | christine@splashpr.co.z 

Media Release: Puma Partners With Sophia Chang For Brooklyn-Inspired Collection

PUMA has teamed up with New York City illustrator, creator and designer Sophia Chang to offer an exclusive collection for the second half of 2014, inspired by Brooklyn and its iconic imagery.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Chang graduated from the prestigious Parsons School of Design. Her pro-activity led her to a series of internships and freelance design projects, now embodied in an impressive portfolio. Growing up amongst the hustle and bustle of New York City, Chang draws inspiration from its vibrant street life and pop culture, as well as a love of hip-hop music, which developed at an early age.

The PUMA x Sophia Chang collection is a 360-degree range for men and women. The theme for the collection is Brooklyn and its iconic imagery such as the Brooklyn Bridge. It is characterised by black and white pattern graphics and Chang’s signature illustrations of New York City skylines.

PUMA x Sophia Chang is available at PUMA Select stores in in Bree Street, Cape Town and in Braamfontein, Johannesburg; as well as X-Trend Store, Dip Store, Queens, Brands Unlimited, Shelflife and Lost Property from September.

FROM THE DESK OF: Christine Pearson |  Splash PR | 0214471208  | christine@splashpr.co.za

MEDIA RELEASE: PUMA Select Store Opens In Braamfontein, Johannesburg

PUMA SELECT store opened last week Friday on the corner of Melle and Juta streets in Braamfontein.

“Following on the success of the PUMA SELECT Store in Cape Town, a global first for the brand, it was logical to explore opportunities in Johannesburg, and what better place than our old haunt of Braamfontein,” said PUMA South Africa’s Marketing Director Brett Bellinger.

The store, which will operate for a year, showcases PUMA’s premium product and collaborations with influential creatives, streetwear labels and fashion houses including Parisian design duo BWGH (Brooklyn We Go Hard), New York illustrator Sophia Chang, London interior design team House of Hackney, and Tokyo’s quirky king of avant-garde sneakers Mihara Yashuhiro.

The first PUMA SELECT store, designed by 3D industrial designer Ben Wilson from The Wilson Brothers (www.wilsonbrothers.co.uk) in collaboration with Adam Brinkworth, of interior and architectural design agency Brinkworth (www.brinkworth.co.uk), generated a buzz among designers and fashionistas visiting Cape Town to soak up the World Design Capital projects.

The pair’s love of English workshops and the art of creating are behind the overall concept of the store, with local manufacturing company Designamite assisting with construction. A feature is the simple peg system used to display product; re-engineered using modern technology, the peg system creates a crafted, yet industrial space that can be altered at a moment’s notice.

“Spaces must be flexible and adjust to the product and activity in the store. This is key in today’s retail environment,” explains Wilson.

The space is crafted to display PUMA’s premium streetwear, which fuses performance with culture and fashion drawing inspiration from PUMA’s rich history and innovation as a leading sports brand.

“The store concept addresses premium right now,” says Brinkworth. “It’s about honesty to materials and the craft, and letting the product speak for itself.”

PUMA’s Bellinger continues to explain that through activations like the pop-up PUMA Social Club, a cult venue hosting a wide range of leading South African musicians and DJs in Braamfontein during 2012 and 2013, PUMA developed a large fan base in the area. During this time they also launched a PUMA Store and now the time is right to bring PUMA’s top-end streetwear to the neighbourhood.

“Braamfontein has always been a good fit for PUMA and we hope that with the PUMA SELECT Store, and some of the events and activities we will host in the area, we again find favour with the PUMA fans.”

FROM THE DESK OF: Christine Pearson | Splash PR | +27 21 447 1208 | christine@splashpr.co.za