Summary
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The JiyongKim x PUMA VS1 collaboration rejects the concept of factory-fresh perfection
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Every pair features unique tonal variations achieved through a signature sun-bleaching technique, ensuring that no two sneakers are identical due to their natural exposure to the elements
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The design emphasizes a deliberately unfinished aesthetic through frayed fabric edges and exposed stitching
The latest collaboration between JiyongKim and PUMA challenges the traditional “factory fresh” sneaker aesthetic, opting instead for a narrative of organic evolution and decay. By utilizing the VS1—a silhouette typically rooted in high-performance athletics—JiyongKim strips away the sterile precision of mass production to reveal something raw and deeply human. This partnership recontextualizes the sneaker as a canvas for craft and time, resulting in a design that feels less like a product and more like a relic.
At the heart of the collection is JiyongKim’s signature sun-bleaching technique. Rather than using chemical dyes to achieve uniformity, the fabric uppers are exposed to the elements, allowing natural sunlight to dictate the final pigment. This process ensures that every pair possesses a distinct tonal variation, rendering each sneaker a unique piece of wearable art. Complementing this weathered finish are frayed edges and exposed stitching, which reinforce the “deliberately unfinished” philosophy that defines JiyongKim’s oeuvre.
The JiyongKim x PUMA VS1 sits at the precarious intersection of sport and artisanal heritage. It interrogates the life cycle of footwear, celebrating the “wear over time” that usually signals the end of a shoe’s relevance. By highlighting these imperfections, the collaboration elevates the VS1 into a soulful expression of permanence. The highly anticipated capsule is scheduled for a regional release on February 28, with availability strictly limited to Korea, China, and Japan.
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