Iconic local brand Nandos and PUMA will be dropping an exciting collab come Heritage Day, the PUMA x Nando’s RS-Xtra Hot.

Yes, you heard us correctly, perennial Peri-Peri chicken favourite Nando’s are releasing a sneaker -and with top German brand PUMA to boot. This is not any old tackie…this is the real deal, a shoe that any sneakerhead would covet.

Brett Bellinger, PUMA SA Marketing Director says of the partnership, “PUMA wanted to celebrate Heritage Day in South Africa by partnering with an iconic local brand that could help us capture the essence of what it means to be South African. Bold. Fiery. Somewhat audacious and eternally optimistic. Who better to announce as our partner than Nando’s, the brand that has been a part of the social and cultural fabric of South Africa since 1987”.

After digging into the PUMA archives, they, along with the Nando’s team have reimagined the RS sneaker first launched in the 1980s. This is especially fitting since Nando’s – proudly Johannesburg brand – opened their first restaurant in Rosetenville 36 years ago, and today have 1200 stores in 22 countries.

GM of Marketing for the food brand Jessica Wheeler says, “To encapsulate the fiery spirit of South Africans is something we strive to do daily through our marketing activity and to reflect in our stores and our menu, but to have that embodied in a sneaker is just next level. Nando’s resonates deeply with the spirit of creativity, and we believe that creativity can be a force for good and for change”.

The PUMA RS (Running System) was created to be the world’s first wearable sports product, and the world’s first smart shoe, and has been continually reinvented since 2018 with new styles and collaborations, including those with The Smurfs and Spongebob.

The new shoe is no less cool. The RS-Xtra Hot features a printed chilli formstrip, the Nando’s PERi-ometer® with heat levels, the heel cup referencing the colours of Nando’s sauces the PUMA logo fired up in the Nando’s font – which is based on the hand-painted signwriting of artist Marks Salimu. There’s also the Nando’s signature Barci Cockerel and an insole paying homage to the iconic sauce bottle, all wrapped up in Nando’s vibrant colours.

The PUMA X Nando’s RS-Xtra Hot (R1999) will be release in limited quantities in SA, the US and UAE and will be available at PUMA.com, PUMA Retail Stores, sportscene, Side Step, Shelflife, Shesha, Superbalist, The Cross Trainer, Sneaker District and Colt45 by Al Capone.

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Eco-conscious African ready-to-wear and swimwear brand lemlem, founded by supermodel Liya Kebede, has collaborated with global sports brand PUMA on a vibrant new collection.

Bold colour, pattern and sustainability are the cornerstone of the new collaborative collection between PUMA and lemlem.

Spanning apparel and footwear, the collection combines lemlem’s signature aesthetic with PUMA’s future-forward sportswear. With its unique blend of style, performance and superior comfort, the collection showcases lemem’s captivating geometric prints and abstract textures that celebrate the versatility of movement.

Central to this collaboration is the shared vision of more sustainability and a dedication to step toward a better future. PUMA and lemlem proudly embrace the responsibility to make a positive impact on the environment, and this collection reflects their unwavering commitment to practices by using fabrics made with at least 20% recycled material on activewear.

“This collection was inspired by the clothes we wear during work outs and the clothes we wear between work outs,” said Liya Kebede, Founder of lemlem. “It is testament to the colliding worlds of sports and fashion, and how we want to inspire women across the globe. I’m so excited for what’s to come in our journey together – this is just the beginning.”

“We are thrilled to finally bring a PUMA x lemlem collaboration to the market,” said Erin Longin, General Manager Run/Train at PUMA. “By combining lemlem’s unique designs, vibrant patterns and PUMA’s expertise in technology and sport, we have created a collection that will enhance the lives of women and inspire them on their health and wellness journey.”

The PUMA x lemlem collection lunches today online, in PUMA Retail stores and Totalsports.

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In an effort to reduce their impact on the environment and meet the growing needs of conscious consumers, global brands are working on ways to make more sustainable sneakers.

The fashion industry is notorious for its heavy footprint on the ecosystems within which it operates. Globally, according to the Pretty Planeteer, textile waste amounts to about 13-million tonnes of missed opportunities each year. It’s almost more than one can comprehend, and it happens with far too much ease – discarded clothing and offcuts end up in landfills at a rapid rate.

Fortunately, manufacturers have begun dancing to the beat laid down by consumers, and making attempts to give the planet a break by adopting more ethical production practices. Inevitably, they are still going to make products – but the growing trend urges them to consider how they’ll go about it. This more environmentally friendly twist on consumerism is a step in the right direction, and it ticks boxes for stylish and sustainable shoppers.

VEJA

These beauties are the golden child of the sustainable sneaker world. Since 2005, Veja has been paving the way forward for considerate kicks by combining social projects, economic justice and the use of environmentally friendly materials. Veja sneakers are made from Brazilian and Peruvian organic cotton, Amazon rubber and recycled plastic. Whether it’s pushing the boundaries by creating vegan sneakers – using cotton canvas coated in corn – or using fabric made from 100%-recycled plastic, it’s clear that the brand is not resting on its laurels. Rather, it is perpetually improving, and determined to keep doing so, one step at a time.

PUMA

PUMA’s RE.GEN collection makes a move towards re-valuing recycled material. Leather offcuts, cotton offcuts and polyester made from recycled plastic combine in a three-pronged approach to give materials that would ordinarily be discarded a second chance. Beyond this collection, PUMA says it is moving “Forever Faster” to make products that are “Forever Better”. As part of its sustainability strategy, the company’s aim is to ensure that, by 2025, nine out of 10 items it creates are made from more sustainable materials. Last year, more than 97% of PUMA’s leather, polyester and cardboard were sustainably sourced, which means five out of 10 PUMA products were created through more sustainable practices. This translates to less water and chemicals used in production processes – and a win for the environment. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that there is no compromise when it comes to the freshness of the kicks…

CONVERSE

The Renew recycled knit is the new lightweight, sustainable offering in the Converse stable. Its toe cap is made from regrind rubber; recycled polyester shape-shi s to create the laces, and the OrthoLite footbed makes this streetwear icon sustainable from the inside out. You’ve also got the option to elevate your fi t with the Chuck Taylor All Star Crater, which boasts an ethically sourced outsole, regrind rubber and an upper made from recycled plastic.

REEBOK X SEALAND GEAR

In a partnership designed to kick-start Reebok’s mission to become 100% sustainable by 2030, the [REE]cycled Classic Leather Legacy and Legacy 83 were born. Thirty percent of the uppers of both these silhouettes is made from recycled materials. Sealand Gear produced a limited-edition bag as part of the collaboration, and the first 300 South African shoppers to buy a pair of the sustainable sneakers were gifted one of the upcycled bags. Ninety percent of Sealand Gear’s products are already made from upcycled materials, so Reebok has undoubtedly found good common ground by working with a brand that’s an industry leader on the sustainability front.

adidas

The sneaker giant released an ecofriendly iteration of the well-loved Stan Smith silhouette earlier this year. The court sneakers can be found pounding pavements everywhere, happy in the knowledge that they’ve been produced with materials that help end plastic waste.

Adding further fuel to the joy-filled fire, these Stan Smith Forever sneakers come kitted with characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel characters. But if you’re into the more classic silhouette, that option is available too – just be sure to reach for the PRIMEGREEN uppers.

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International sport and lifestyle brand PUMA has joined forces with acclaimed artist Romero Britto in a new bright and bold collection of apparel and footwear.

The founder of the Happy Art Movement Romero Britto creates his works based on promoting love, joy, hope and happiness, using his creativity to bring positivity and optimism to the people who interact with it. The latest designs for the PUMA range bring 90’s nostalgia to the forefront, with a vivid colour palette of contrasting shades and graphic prints.

“PUMA and BRITTO^® share in the goal of bringing fun, happiness and love to the world,” says Dr. Lucas Vidal, global CEO of the BRITTO^® and Romero Britto Fine-Art brands. “The two brands have blended Romero’s iconic Happy Art with PUMA’s innovative and cool designs to create incredible consumer products. As Romero Britto always says: art is too important not to share.” 

The RS-Connect (R2 299), Basket (R1 999)and Wild Rider (R2 299) have fun look and feel, playing with all-over prints, graphic placements and lively colours. Apparel, featuring graphics, all-over print (AOP) and a mix of rubber prints and embroideries, includes the unisex AOP Hoodie (R1 999), AOP Tee (R799), Sweat Pants (R1 399) and Tee (R749) plus another Crew (R1 299) and Sweat Pants (R1 499). 

“This is the component I believe my collection brings out the most, the FUN in getting dressed every day!” says Romero Britto. “I have always been inspired by my journey – from Brazil to Europe to Miami; all of the elements in nature, my surroundings and fashion have influenced how I compose my artworks. It has been a colourful journey with lots of hope, love, happiness and passion that has translated over to the collection for PUMA. The collection is a reflection of the past, present and future all in one.”

The PUMA x BRITTO collection is available at PUMA.com.

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French artist AkaBoku‘s signature bright, bold colours, graphics and cartoon characters infuse PUMA’s latest collection with art.

PUMA and French artist AkaBoku are releasing their first collection of footwear and apparel, inspired by the vibrant style that exists within the DNA of both PUMA and artist’s wild and colourful work.

Influenced by cartoons, comic books and street graffiti, AkaBoku has expanded a childhood passion for art into a lifelong career creating art on everything from paper and textiles to concrete and ceramics.

“I’m inspired by my life and scenes of life and when creating the collection, I liked the scenes that personified my life with wild animals,” says AkaBoku. “I love to use the snake in different situations because its body can be drawn in different shapes like geometric or liquid.”

Here’s a closer look at a few items from the new collection:

The new collection is available in-store from today (16 June 2021). All styles will also be available on PUMA.com

Looking for more? Take a look at PUMA’s RE.GEN collection.

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The latest collection from the global sports brand PUMA is an effort to reduce the impact of fashion on the environment.

As we move towards a more sustainable future, it’s no surprise that retailers are taking a cue from consumers. This environmentally considerate twist on consumerism is a step in the right direction for the fashion industry and environmentalists alike. According to The Pretty Planeteer, 95% of textile waste can be recycled and that mass comes in as a whopping 13 million tons of missed opportunities globally. It sounds massive (because it is) – and it’s brought about because the average consumer discards about 31,75kg of clothing per year.

Apart from thrifting, clothing swops and buying less – we can also shop more sustainably. This can take the form of buying from local, small businesses or reaching for an international brand that’s made an effort to honour the growing environmental concern. PUMA’s latest collection, RE.GEN is a great example of making the most of materials (that would ordinarily go to waste) to produce items of clothing and footwear that tick both the sustainability and style box. 

In a move towards revaluing recycled material and giving what would ordinarily be discarded a second chance, the PUMA RE.GEN collection combines recycled material from three sources: PUMA’s leather off-cuts, cotton off-cuts from the textile industry and plastic that is recycled to produce polyester.

The collection is inspired by the recycling process and falls in line with PUMA’s goal to have nine out of every 10 products made sustainable materials by 2025. “In our sustainability strategy, we focus on making the largest possible positive impact, so our customers know that by buying a PUMA product, they buy a sustainably sourced product,” said Stefan Seidel, Head of Corporate Sustainability at PUMA. “We will continue to push hard to live up to our mission statement of being ‘Forever Better’.”

The collection features the RE.GEN Oslo Maja (R1 899), Cropped Jacket (R1 799), Tee (R649), AOP Tee (R799), Wide Leg Pants (R1 299) and Woven Skirt (R1 299) for women while men’s gear includes the RE.GEN Oslo City (R2 299), Jacket (R2 499), Woven Pants (R1 799) and AOP Tee (R899). Completing the collection are the RE.GEN Shoulder Bag (R799), Deconstructed Low Curve Cap (R399) and RE.GEN Short Visor Cap (R399).

PUMA RE.GEN is available from Thursday, 20 May from PUMA.com, PUMA stores, Archive online, X-Trend, Superbalist, Shesha and selected retailers.

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Local actress and human rights activist Nomzamo Mbatha has joined forces with streetwear brand PUMA, releasing her new Shandu Collection, a tribute to the tribe into which she was born in KwaMashu, her grandmother and women around the globe who deserve respect and empowerment.

The Shandu range consists of accessories, apparel and footwear revolving around Nomzamo’s love for travel and her nomadic jet setting lifestyle.

“Like me, this collection is African through and through,” says Nomzamo. “It is an ode to the very family and clan that I come from. My grandmother has always pushed me to open my eyes to the world and know that each of my dreams is attainable. She taught me how to stay humble but sassy, and how to love and accept myself, how to remain true to who I am, and most importantly: where I come from. That’s exactly why this collection couldn’t have been called anything other than Shandu. It is a tribute to my family and clan, and a thank you to them for helping me break barriers.”

The first collection, which was released in March features soft pastel hues and sorbet colourways embezzled with an African-inspired print. The range features a Bomber Jacket (R2 499) and Jumpsuit (R2 299), Nomzamo’s favourite two pieces, as well as the Starlet Sandal (R449), First Flip (R229), Top (R649), Cropped Tees (R999), Shorts (R899) and Headband (R599).

Nomzamo is also taking part in PUMA’s new She Moves Us campaign, led by global pop superstar Dua Lipa, which calls on women to inspire one another and take control of and change the global narrative.

Shop the range, here.

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From a new PUMA collaboration and colourful crayons to a chair design inspired by palm trees and the latest collection of towels from The Cotton Company, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 353.

1. “Crayon World” by Imagebook

Imagebook, a project created by Japan-based Iwasaki Design Studio, has launched a range of colourful crayons. The shape of the crayons, when placed together, look like they could be tiny roofs. The aim of the project is to come up with creative product design possibilities.

Images via Imagebook

2. PAM Chair

After debuting a prototype of the PAM chair at Milan Design Week in 2016, Swiss design brand Studioforma has since perfected the design, together with Italian furniture manufacturer Meroni & Colzani. The tubular chair, inspired by palm trees and leaves, is handcrafted from walnut.

Images courtesy of Studioforma

3. PUMA X KidSuper Studios

PUMA has teamed up with Brooklyn-based streetwear and accessories brand KidSuper Studios on its first collaboration, inspired by its founder Colm Dillane’s past as a football player. Featuring the brand’s signature doodles, the collection features hand-drawn sketches and graphic prints. PUMA x KidSuper is available online and at PUMA Select stores in Cape Town and Braamfontein.

Images courtesy of PUMA

4. The Cotton Company’s New Waffle Weave Towels

Local brand The Cotton Company has launched a new range of 100% Turkish cotton waffle weave towels. Retailing at R629, the lightweight towels, measuring 85cm x 160cm, are super absorbent and fast-drying. The range is made up of seven different colourways, namely Wet Pebble, Slate, Oatmeal, Citron, Marigold, Petrol Blue and Coral Clay.

Image credit: Tasha Seccombe, courtesy of The Cotton Company

5. SA Wine Label Comes Second In The World

The Vinoneers’ Orpheus & The Raven wine range, owned by winemaker Etienne Louw and graphic designer Brenden Schwartz of Cape Town-based studio BRAVO Design, features hand-drawn, baroque-style sketches inspired by 16th-century artist Albrecht Dürer. The label was announced as the runner-up at The Drinks Business Awards 2020 for Best Design & Packaging for Wine.

Images courtesy of Orpheus & The Raven / Bravo Design

Browse more like VISI picks of the week series – week 353 on picks of the week 63.

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PUMA goes bold for its Summer 2020 collection, collaborating with illustrator Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle.

Reversible Coach Jacket

PUMA is well-known for its innovative collaborations. This new collection sees Mr Doodle’s vibrant squiggles and impressions, reminiscent of playful children’s drawings, feature on the brand’s apparel and footwear. The artist’s “Graffiti Spaghetti”, as it is often described, includes odd shapes, curves and characters that make his designs stand out on any canvas, including furniture.

RS-2K

The PUMA X Mr Doodle collection includes apparel, accessories and footwear in silhouettes synonymous with the athleisure brand. The designs are predominantly black and white, with touches of orange and lavender on some of the products. Included in the collection are the RS-2K sneakers, Reversible Coach Jacket and the Leadcat 20 sandals.

Reversible Coach Jacket

Leadcat 20

PUMA x Mr Doodle is now available via PUMA.com, at PUMA Select stores in Cape Town and Braamfontein, X-Trend, Archive online, Hipkicks and Superbalist.

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From a brand-new boutique hotel in Joburg and a sustainable textile dying solution from PUMA to an art drive by local illustrator Christopher MacClements and reimagined furniture from the ’30s, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 338.

1. PUMA’s Design to Fade Collection

PUMA’s latest biodegradable lifestyle and performance collection “Design to Fade”, made in collaboration with Dutch design project Living Colour and Swedish design studio Streamateria, explores sustainable and alternative methods for dying and creating textiles. Living Colour makes use of bacteria to bring shades to fabrics, while Streamateria makes fabrics using a production chain with zero tolerance to waste. While it’s not yet available commercially, Romain Girard, Senior Head of Innovation at PUMA, says, “With Design to Fade, we are working on a future, which focuses on sustainable production methods and recyclable materials.”

Images courtesy of designtofade.puma.com

2. New Boutique Hotel: Daze House

Daze House, which opened its doors in February 2020 before having to close for the duration of lockdown, is a new 10-room boutique hotel in Joburg. The hotel features commissioned pieces from artists like Dennis Osadebe, Banele Khoza, Maite Maponya and Sinque. The hotel’s offering includes a swimming pool, unlimited Wi-Fi, secure parking, cooking classes and 24-hour security. It is now open to the public for essential and business stays.

Images courtesy of Daze House

3. MacClements Art Drive

Artist Christopher MacClements, known for his detailed architectural illustrations, is running an art drive, where his prints, originals and commissions will be discounted by 10% –15%, with 10% of each piece sold donated to one of three NPOs: Save a Business, Ladles of Love or Give a Home. You can find out more at macclements.com.

Images courtesy of macclements.com

4. Bottleship Mark 2 by Ernest Race for Isokon Plus

This 1963 redesign saw Ernest Race reimagine Egon Riss’s original 1930 Isokon Penguin Donkey and Bottleship. Today, the new linear shape also houses a secret drinks compartment. A limited number were produced in the 1960s with a resurgence in production by Isokon Plus in 2015. It is now available in walnut and birch.

Images courtesy of isokonplus.com

5. Cole & Son Paris by FormRoom

London-based creative design agency FormRoom is behind the look of luxury wallpaper brand Cole & Son’s Paris showroom, an Andalusian-inspired space designed to promote the brand’s Seville collection.

Images courtesy of formroom.com

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