Header: PUMA
A$AP Rocky x PUMA Suede ’94, one of PUMA’s iconic ’90s silhouettes, has always reflected the individuality of those who wear it. Today, musician A$AP Rocky reimagines the iconic design through his artistic lens.
PUMA Suede ’94 Original Shoe
Over the past few decades, the unmistakable silhouette of the PUMA Suede has defined the style of generations, moving effortlessly through cultures, scenes, and trends. As culture, fashion, and personal identity constantly change and evolve, PUMA offers something familiar and grounded that wearers can always return to, reviving the spirit of the ’90s. Inseparable from the scenes and communities across generations, PUMA Suede has always been a symbol of effortless style and enduring elegance.
The enduring legacy of PUMA Suede
Historically, a lifestyle shoe worn by generations has gone under many names. Originally called the Crack, the first lifestyle shoe by PUMA was launched for the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where it was worn by Tommie Smith. Named the Clyde during the Walt Frazier era, the shoe was further modified by the NBA player, who introduced his own style and a new name. Following the Frazier era, the shoe was finally named Suede, after its iconic upper material. Popular among hip-hop and B-boy crews, the shoe became the darling of the new cultural scene. The incredible history of Suede has earned it a rightful place among PUMA icons.
A$AP Rocky x PUMA Suede ’94
A$AP Rocky has been collaborating with the famed sports brand for over three years. As a creative director, he was given the keys to decide which style he wanted to bring back. The iconic Puma Suede ’94 was selected as the most fitting to his style and culture, with a touch of nostalgia. The Suede silhouette was very popular during A$AP Rocky’s childhood, which coincided with the Golden Era of hip-hop, the downtown skate scene and the birth of modern streetwear.
The new iteration of the iconic shoe features A$AP Rocky customised detailing, while maintaining the model’s recognisable design elements, including the retro woven label, slimmer tooling shape and last but not least, raw-edge padded tongue. These recognisable Suede elements are complemented with A$AP Rocky design, including the full retro PUMA logo on the quarter panel, which makes the shoe instantly recognisable since no other iteration has this feature.
“I remember when my mom bought me my first pair of suedes,” said A$AP Rocky. “Growing up in New York and seeing Walt Clyde Frazier with his style and his PUMA suedes, they were the shoes. And now to be able to tap into that 90s nostalgia and bring them back with my own creative lens and special details, it’s great. PUMA hasn’t brought the ’94 back since it dropped, and reviving it stitch-for-stitch from the archive just felt right.”
A$AP Rocky
New York Chinatown launch
The A$AP Rocky x PUMA Suede ’94 is available starting July 16 in stores and online, but a few lucky customers will have the opportunity to buy it a day earlier. Today, on July 15th, the musician will make an appearance at a PUMA pop-up shop at Joe’s Ginger in NYC Chinatown. The sale of the new suede will take place between 4- 8 PM EST, making this a one-of-a-kind opportunity to purchase the model before anyone else.
