Do you know what the word ‘kitschy’ means? We didn’t either, and we’re still not entirely sure, but we’re glad we sort of figured it out. That’s because it’s about the only word you can use to describe this collaboration. We’ll let you know the meaning of it a bit further down the page when it’s relevant.
Anyway, it’s no secret that we here at Proper are big fans of PUMA. It’s also no secret that we have a bit of a taste for interesting collaborations. Well, the latest thing that came through our virtual letterbox appealed to both of those criteria – a collaboration between Puma and Aries.
PUMA has joined forces with the London-based luxury streetwear brand to produce a collection of clothing and obviously, some shoes, two pairs of shoes to be specific.
The designs are in your face and loud, as is the way in which the expansive variety of fabrics and materials have been used. As we said earlier, if you were going to sum up the collection in one word you’d use that weird word ‘kitschy’ it’s been adopted from German and means (as according to Google) ‘design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way.’
We’re pretty sure the modern equivalent the kids are using for ‘kitschy’ is ‘#y2k’
The more we look at it the more the designs look like they’d be found in an early 2000’s extreme sports catalogue, maybe like snowboarding? Or motocross? It’s a bit of a hard one to put your finger on, but it’s certainly interesting to look at.
The collaboration capsule includes a moto-mesh long-sleeve tee, featuring a selection of Aries graphics, as well as a knitted cardigan.
Other garments include a lace-knit tight tee, an oversized graphic tee and a water-repellent jacket and pants. The pick of the bunch for us though is the long-sleeve, something quite cool about a skeletal Puma, isn’t there?
As for the shoe, the duo have opted for both a PUMA Mostro and PUMA Suede. The Mostro is the centrepiece of the collaboration and has been 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 PUMA Suede on the other hand comes with a thick rubberized mudguard, leather toe cap and a few graphics.
New York photographer Mark Luckasavage was brought in to shoott the collaboration and has done an excellent job of emulating the nostalgic era that the collection harks back to.
Trying to describe this collection only using words is almost an impossible task, you’re much better off just looking at the images, maybe then you’ll understand what the word kitschy means, we think we’re sort of beginning to get it, maybe?
If you like what you see, you can purchase here, here or even here
