Global sportswear brand Puma has joined forces with LASALLE College of the Arts in a boundary-defying and visionary collaboration, spotlighting three emerging design talents—each reimagining the iconic Palermo sneakers through their own distinct design philosophy. These custom kicks took centre stage at LASALLE’s annual graduate fashion show.
A graduate fashion show might be tradition—but collaborating with Puma to customise the iconic Palermo sneaker? Now that’s next-level. This collaboration emerged from Puma’s strategic decision to immerse itself in the Southeast Asian creative community. And what better way to do this than by partnering with educational institutions that nurture the next generation of design?
Related article: PUMA Unveils Cellerator-K Campaign Starring K-Pop Boy Band NCT127
At its core, this collaboration is about providing a platform for local artists to experiment, challenge convention, and gain exposure through cross-disciplinary work. This comes from the shared conviction that design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s a powerful tool that can shape culture and spark meaningful dialogue. Puma supports the arts scene and we’re here for that.
Here’s a glimpse into the unique stories and design philosophy behind each winner’s custom Palermo sneakers—showing how they’ve turned the classic silhouette into something personal and fresh.
Related article: These 16 Designer Shoes Deserve a Place in Your Wardrobe
Life from the Loom
Related article: adidas Originals Reintroduces Its Classic SL 72 Sneakers and Iman Fandi Rocks Them
Amanda Gabriella Handojo’s collection, Life from the Loom, explores the bond between nature and humanity through biodegradable fabrics.
Drawing from the crumbling beauty of Yogyakarta’s Candi Sewu, it embodies nature's reclaimation, where decay exists alongside human craftsmanship. Through embroidery, layered textures, bioplastics and natural dyes, textiles are reimagined as living materials—made to be loved, evolve and return to the earth as all living things do.
Run Wild
Kimberly Aw Mei Ching's (also known as KURA) collection Run Wild is inspired by all things Japanese and preserving its culture. Inspired by the bosozoku gangs who shared their identity through distinct uniforms with elaborate embroidery, KURA aims to create personalised textiles that gives personal meaning to its wearer. Elements like the eight virtues of bushido (the way of samurai), hanakotoba (the language of flowers) and pre-loved kimono textiles serve as instruments to preserve the rich heritage of the traditional kimono craftsmanship and bosozoku culture.
Reminisensi
Nursalsabila Haji Zainuddin's (also known as Shasha) collection Reminisensi reflects on themes of neglect and quiet rebellion of choosing to care. Inspiration comes from Tasek Lama, a once forgotten park in Brunei that stands as a symbol of nature’s ability to survive. Through abstract forms, it captures the raw power and beauty of resilience, inviting a new reverence for spaces left behind. In collaboration with The Fashion Pulpit, pre-loved garments are revived with new life through techniques like patchworking, silk screen and fabric manipulation—a tribute to the forgotten beauty of nature.
If you’ve missed their runway debut, you can still catch the custom shoes at LASALLE College of the Art’s McNally Campus until 4 June 2025.