PUMA and PLEASURES Are Bringing Punk to the Racetrack
“Dirty clean,” “sexy wheels,” “recipe for destruction”: behold the mantras of PUMA x PLEASURES. These greasy, gas station slogans appear on the back of a hoodie from their new collection—and they give a brash, unapologetic sense of what it’s all about. Following the resounding success of the collab’s inaugural offerings in 2023 and the previous Suede XL and Velophasis sneaker collaborations; the latest drop combines red hot racing motifs with distinct punk influences. It’s dark, moody, and just a little ironic, playfully aligning with current internet aesthetics that flirt with and subvert suggestions of high-octane masculinity.
Here, art, rebellion, and athleticism all exist as one. The upcoming collection features an array of meticulously crafted cut-and-sew items, graphic shirts, accessories, and two striking interpretations of the PUMA Spirex sneaker, along with a fresh edition of the TS-01 slip-on. The latter is a sleek, quilted update might as well have been fashioned from the interior of a footballer’s Bentley—in all the best ways. That luxury, racy feel is infused with punk attitude and is evident in the collection’s every stitch and silhouette, as vibrant neon accents breathe life into a monochrome palette. The garments that are form-fitting, durable, and steeped in a bratty nonchalant rebellion.
The minds at PUMA and PLEASURES have conceived a thrilling visual feast to accompany the collection. It-girl photographer Sandy Kim—who’s fresh from shoots with personalities of the moment like the Clermont Twins and Olivia Rodrigo—brings a zeitgeisty energy to the campaign, crafting an ambience which is at once high-speed and lo-fi and oozes a gritty, underground spirit. These eerie, internet-friendly atmospheres bring to mind niche TikTok aesthetics like driftcore, which sees bedazzled muscle cars spewing tyre smoke in dream-like videos, usually backed by an ethereal drum ‘n’ bass beat. And it taps into both racer and punk inspirations—fitting, given the shared emphasis on pushing boundaries, defying norms, and embracing a fearless attitude that resonates for both subcultures.
Of the garments, most evident of this vibe is the balaclava—a mysterious, edgy addition to the collection. Other standout pieces include the Cellerator Track Jacket and Cellerator Track Pants, which seamlessly blend track DNA with streetwear sensibilities. Meanwhile, the LS Tee and Graphic Tee elevate streetwear essentials with meticulously curated graphics that tell a story of rebellion and individuality. Accessories take center stage with the Cap and Cross Body Bag, featuring a clever interplay of logos across their designs, adding the perfect finishing touch to the enigmatic collection.
A specially designed pair of PUMA Spirex silhouettes have been redesigned by PLEASURES, who have introduced an asymmetrical design inspired by Y2K-era running spikes. PLEASURES' interpretation offers two sleek, monochromatic colorways that effortlessly capture the essence of the collection. In 2024, PUMA’s signature looks continue to mesh perfectly with PLEASURES’ hardcore, tongue-in-cheek tendencies. And with a t-shirt featuring a print of Instagram’s sensitive content warning, it’s no secret which generation they’re targeting. With this attitude, we’re sure they’ll get there.
Exclusive on PUMA.com, PUMA flagship stores, and select retailers now.
