Cherry Blossoms is the poster child for everything Spring/Summer. The gentle and gradating pink that fills Japan with a scenic and dream-like beauty, invites thousands to the joyful tradition of Hanami (flower viewing) every year. More than that, it has been imprinted on everything from cups to, even, appliances. Some love it wholeheartedly, while others say it is overdone; but PUMA is about to turn everyone around with their much anticipated collaboration with reowned (or, some would call King) of the sneaker world, Ronnie Fieg.
This March, PUMA’s most-loved 90s classic, the Trinomic R698, gets a touch of the Ronnie Fieg flare and a breath of fresh spring air to bring us the aptly named, The Sakura Project.
It comes in two unisex models, featuring the chunky silhouette and molded eyelets that drove running freaks crazy back then. This time, however, they take on the gradating colour block reminiscent of the fleeting and magical seasonal transition of the Sakura front so many chase after.
Starting with the R698 Sakura, it grabs your attention with a striking deep pink at the tip of its rich perforated suede toe, to gradate at the midsole into a dreamy texture of lighter shades – symbolising the very sakura flower itself from its core to the assorted blossoms. Even the elegant curve of the scythed formstrip flows into the theme of a single petal; very fitting.
The R698 Mid comes with a darker colour palette of burgundy to navy, featuring the same gradient effect at the midsoles to reflect the later phases of the sakura blossoms. It boasts a retro design with the heightened silhouette and an inner sock booty constructed in tech neoprene finished with a 3M covered strap. I love the minute details of navy splatters as it reminds me of the scattering of fallen petals as the season comes to a serene and scenic happy ending.
The Sakura Project takes on a different view of the blossom’s delicate beauty, birthing us two pairs of distinct yet versatile sneakers. The bold colours shine even brighter when pair against the gradation effect, and makes it an easy staple to add a nice pop of colour to your everyday. Ultimately, what I really love, is Ronnie Fieg’s re-imagination of the vibrant colours of this very flower from start to end; almost bringing a poetic appeal into a pair of sneakers. It’s not just a pair of shoes, Ronnie has brought Japan’s tradition and splendour to life.
The PUMA x Ronnie Fieg The Sakura Project will be exclusively available in Limited Edt stores from 11 April onwards, at the retail price of S$230 for R698 Sakura and S$250 for R698 Mid.
About the Writer
Jessica is a young lady of many obsessions. She gets herself into everything ranging from the latest in the monochrome fashion world (she only wears black, and sometimes, white) to convincing the masses that Community is the best TV series ever made.
Currently, she enjoys looking like Sailor Mercury had a baby with Wednesday Addams.
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