PUMA and STAPLE unveil East West Ivy Collection

PUMA and STAPLE continue their collaboration with the “East West Ivy” collection, which explores Asian American culture through the lens of 1960s collegiate style trends.

During this era, many fashion trends were inspired by the preppy collegiate style of US coastal universities – including the early generations of Asian American student communities. Taking inspiration from this time period, the PUMA x STAPLE East West Ivy collection brings together 60’s Asian-American collegiate aesthetics with the New York City streetwear roots of STAPLE.

These two movements are translated through classic, varsity-inspired chenille badges and premium materials, combined with traditional iconography from Asian cultures. These elements are displayed across a range of collegiate silhouettes including caps, jackets, hoodies and T shirts.

“We’re excited to team up with PUMA again on a collection that brings together Asian American culture, classic collegiate style, and our streetwear roots in New York City” says Jeff Staple. “These elements have been translated into timeless pieces that truly embody STAPLE as a brand.”

The collection’s highlights include cut-and-sew items like the Varsity Jacket and V-Neck Crew, both of which channel classic Americana with a letter-jacket aesthetic, bearing “P” and “S” for PUMA and STAPLE, respectively. The accompanying Hoodie, Sweatpants, and Graphic Tees are emblazoned with specially created graphics and logos, once again drawing inspiration from Asian American cultures.

The footwear offerings include two colourways each of the PUMA Suede and Slipstream. Envisioned through STAPLE’s lens, the shoes feature re-worked elements like zig-zag shaped eye stays, debossed gold lettering, and yin-yang symbols on the tongue, while each sneaker comes affixed with PUMA Jumping Cat hardware in gold.

Lastly, accessories include a lecture hall-ready Duffle Bag, as well as a Beanie and Cap.

The PUMA x STAPLE “East West Ivy” collection is available from 19 October on PUMA.com, PUMA retail stores, Archive and Al Capone.