NBA players (and athletes across sports in general) have come to realize that their image off the court is just as strong as it is on the court. With this, we’ve seen players enter the realm of fashion, whether that be through their own brand, walking down the runways of Paris, or signing with a major sportswear company. Someone who has hit all three of these points, Kyle Kuzma, has started his own brand (Childhood Dreams), starred in an NYFW runway show, and has signed with Puma. Combining his own brand and his footwear partner, Puma and Kuzma present the “Childhood Dreams” collection.
Spanning both footwear and apparel, the collection combines 90s styles that hold a place in Kyle Kuzma’s heart with an array of cargo pockets and color palettes bringing one back to this time. A key thing to note is that all the apparel in the collection will come constructed using plastic-free RE:Place fabrics or at least 20% recycled materials. Included are hoodies that come with co-branded Childhood Dreams and Puma logos and toe the line between sportswear and luxury while the tees (both long and short sleeve) feature 3D bubble text and logos throughout their cool, soft color palette. The staple piece in the collection is the varsity jacket, truly giving you a throwback piece with a neutral color palette and embroidered details between both brands.
When it comes to footwear, Puma and Kuzma transform the iconic Puma Ralph Sampson into mule form, dressing the model in shaggy brown suede mixed with tonal off-white shades along the mudguard, Puma formstrip, and laces while green hits appear on the heel. Atop the tongue, a triangular patch boasts co-branded details while the entire design is rounded out by a splatter paint cream midsole and outsole.
The duo has also put their touch on the Puma TRC Blaze Court, giving it a vibrant makeover featuring green, orange, and blue tones throughout. The majority of the upper takes on the former of the three colorways while suede patches near the toebox and midfoot come in a hazy orange hue. Cool blues take over the tongue, sockliner, and heel overlay while tonal peach laces contrast the entire color palette of the sneaker. Rounding out the design is the two-tone white and grey midsole paired with a cream rubber outsole.
The Kyle Kuzma x Puma Hoops Childhood Dreams Collection is set to release on November 18th, 2022 through Puma online and at their NYC flagship store, however, the Childhood Dreams x Puma TRC Blaze Court will release sometime in 2023. Pieces in the collection range from $40 to $250. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Puma
Childhood Dreams x Puma Ralph Sampson Mule
Childhood Dreams x Puma TRC Blaze Court
