An Iconic Duo: Dapper Dan Talks PUMA Partnership & Redefining Luxury
Both Dapper Dan and PUMA have been mainstays in pop culture for decades, so it was only a matter of time before the two came together for a collaboration that's equal parts chic and street. Dan (a Harlem-born fashion icon known for his bold take on logos and prints) teamed up with the classic sneaker brand for a capsule collection that fuses nostalgic streetwear of the '80s with modern-day luxury elements. The collection includes the couturier's interpretation of closet staples: the T7 tracksuit, PUMA Clyde sneaker (which celebrates 40 years as part of the collection) and embellished tees. The special monogram and vibrant patterns of the collection celebrates hip-hop culture and Dan's knack for fashion-forward details.
“We are so honored to welcome Dapper Dan in the PUMA Family," says Adam Petrick, Chief Brand Officer at PUMA. "Being able to count on such a talented visionary as a brand ambassador is an amazing opportunity to collaborate and shape today’s and tomorrow’s street culture together.”
The first drop of the PUMA x DAPPER DAN collection will be released on October 29, exclusively available on Kith.com and in Kith stores across the US, Paris and Tokyo. The collection debuted on the runway during PUMA’s NYFW FUTROGRADE show in September.
Read on for EDITION's chat with Dapper Dan about the exciting new PUMA partnership.
Both you and PUMA helped define streetwear during its early ‘80s rise. Can you discuss the significance of this 180-degree moment where you’re both now collaborating?
This collaboration is consistent with my cultural elevating philosophy which is to make it possible for the people who follow me to experience my fashion legacy on 2 levels. I can now do for athleisure, which includes sneakers and tracksuits, the same as I did for high-end luxury fashion.
Did you draw from any of your previous work for inspiration for this collection?
Yes! I am considered the father of logomania. So I will absolutely incorporate this into the collection as well as to reimagine the Puma symbol.
What does the puma animal signify to you? And did any of those traits inspire this collection (like with the puma head on the Clyde sneaker)?
To me, the Puma represents a mystical animal, both passive and aggressive. I will be transforming the Puma from the passive to the aggressive! That is why the Puma head will be the center ideation of how I approach my design ideas.
Why do you think PUMA remains such an iconic brand?
I think Puma remains such an iconic brand because it has remained faithful to the culture. I think Clyde Frazier epitomizes Puma’s commitment to culture!
What does “timeless” mean to you?
“Timeless” to me is seamless change. To me, it's like the Harlem river, it's always moving but it's always there!
You are also a timeless figure in our culture. How do you think you personally embody that?
I have never severed the umbilical cord that connects me to the culture!
Photo by Lenny Santiago
Can you discuss the importance of making luxury style attainable (which is also the mantra of EDITION), especially for our community?
There is a king and a queen in all of us. Making luxury style attainable enthrones all of us!
