Puma and New Jersey sneaker retailer, Packer Shoes, have released the collaboration, paying homage to the flamboyant style of basketball legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier. Puma X Packer reimagines the recognisable sense of style from Frazier by introducing the Puma X Packer, which features two tonal colourways – black and red – both of which are constructed with plush suede uppers. Each pair is complimented with a faux fur cow print Formstripe inspired by two of Clyde’s most iconic suits.
Building off their roots as a neighbourhood shop founded in Yonkers in 1907, Packer has become one of the leading sneaker destinations in the US – always demonstrating a deep reverence for heritage and authenticity that shows in everything from their well-curated product selection to their thoughtfully considered collaborative endeavours.
As a fashion icon, both as a player and a TV personality, Clyde’s sense of style was and is truly recognisable in the world of sports. The ’70s retro look he was known for were the turtlenecks, fur coats and hats, along with his love for animal prints on those items. This sense of adventurous style is what Puma X Packer channelled into their latest rendition of the Clyde silhouette, with attention to detail as would be commanded by Walt Frazier himself. The cow print appears both on the upper and sockliner, with Packer branding in gold print, as well as a premium leather tongue label, milky white outsold and gold branding throughout.
“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Clyde in our own special way. Aside from being a bona fide New York City legend both on and off the court, he is also a rare example of someone who can walk into a room wearing a red or brown cow print suit and have no one bat an eyelid. That unwavering swagger and confidence in all he does is something we wanted to bring to life through our special renditions of his iconic signature model,” commented Mike Packer.
The red and black colourways for the Clyde will go on sale for R2,999 and will be available from 7th April 2017 at Puma Select in Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein in Johannesburg.
