As a cultural phenomenon that has garnered popularity worldwide, basketball’s ubiquity has become undeniable. Even with the sport’s growing global reach, one fact remains constant: the heart of the game permanently resides in New York City.
In crowded parks and empty gyms across the five boroughs, the city of New York has infused its distinct spirit into basketball’s storied history, playing host to some of the game’s most iconic moments and acting as a stage for its biggest stars to shine bright – they don’t call Madison Square Garden “The Mecca” for nothing.
As an homage to NYC and its deep love for hoops, PUMA and long-time collaborator Rhuigi Villaseñor crafted a collection that spotlights this intimate relationship. For their fourth installment of “New York Worldwide,” PUMA x Rhuigi mixes modernity with nostalgia to paint a symbolic picture of the special connection shared between the city and the sport it calls its own.
Bridging the city’s cultural past and present, PUMA x Rhuigi enlisted New York Knicks' rising star RJ Barrett and NBA legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier to help tell the story of the latest collection. Sharing a deep tie to NYC and the Knicks franchise, RJ and Clyde showcase the lasting nature of New York tradition, acting as markers of basketball’s evolution within the city.
Wrapping up his fourth season in the NBA, RJ's journey has just begun as he and his peers work to leave their mark on basketball history. In contrast, Clyde has the luxury of looking back and admiring a historic and culturally significant career spoken about through generations.
As only the second NBA player to receive a signature shoe named after him– shoutout to the OG PUMA Clydes– Clyde’s unmistakable swagger on and off the floor placed him in a league of his own, setting a standard of relevancy and impact that RJ is diligently working to achieve.
With RJ’s hunger and Clyde’s timelessness, the athletes mirror two of New York’s most prominent attributes. Channeling this duality through their latest collection, PUMA x Rhuigi curated an assortment of footwear and apparel inspired by the city’s dynamic soul.
Honoring NYC’s roots, the new line offers reminiscent motifs and iconography displayed on graphic tees and tote bags, shouting out iconic staples from the city’s culture. Highlighting the collab, PUMA x Rhuigi reinterprets the PUMA Clyde Mid sneaker, dressing the shoe in a classic color scheme with worn in-detail to capture the enduring essence of hoops heritage.
As a partnership that never disappoints, the newest line from PUMA x Rhuigi is a tasteful blend of old and new, paying respects to the New York of the past, acknowledging the New York of the present, and shaping the New York of the future.
Shop the latest collection at puma.com.
