Fashion
Nov 24, 2022
by Sofia de la Cruz
Kyle Kuzma Revisits His Childhood Dreams with Conscious PUMA Hoops Collaboration
by Sofia de la Cruz
Nov 24, 2022

PUMA and Kyle Kuzma are not unfamiliar. In fact, the Washington Wizards forward has been a repeated collaborator of the German sportswear label for a while now. Since 2020, the multi-hyphenate basketball player has been dishing out footwear propositions that create a nuanced balance between playful sportswear and elevated streetwear. Joining forces with designer and RHUDE founder Rhuigi Villaseñor, early efforts in the partnership reimagined how the PUMA Clyde All-Pro silhouette could offer high-end fashion without compromising performance on the court.

From the athlete’s perspective, the three parties’ collaborative efforts were an insightful learning experience, pushing the 2020 NBA champion to explore a path in creative entrepreneurship, eventually leading him to start his own label, “Childhood Dreams.” Now, Kuzma and PUMA are partnering up once again to look beyond their shared affinity for sports and focus on the industry’s number one priority: sustainability.

This latest collection offers a nod to Kuzma’s youthful ambitions and to 90s nostalgia, serving up a classic throwback combination of color-blocking and cargo pockets. Looking more toward the future, though, the duo has also incorporated more sustainable offerings and dye practices that follow PUMA’s Better Future program, equipping the collaboration with plastic-free fibers and fabrics made of at least 20% recycled materials.

The much-anticipated collection arrives in earthy hues and consists of sporty and sophisticated apparel and footwear options. Eco-conscious highlights include the Childhood Dreams hoodie and pants, made with plastic-free French terry, the AOP shorts, composed of 100% recycled material (excluding trims and decorations) and the FZ hoodie, constructed of at least 70% recycled material. Taking a rather timeless sportswear staple approach, you can also find the t-shirt, long-sleeve, cargo trousers and the varsity jacket.

Elsewhere, the Childhood Dreams Ralph Sampson mule is an easy-on-off backless silhouette that, it’s our duty to report, does let the side down a little by featuring a non-vegan-friendly suede upper alongside its sand-hue rubber midsole. According to PUMA, the official Childhood Dreams TRC Blaze Court sneakers will be available for purchase later in 2023 – after Kuzma has worn them in the upcoming NBA season.

Building on the idea of planting the seeds for a sustainable future for all and furthering eco-conscious initiatives, PUMA is donating $10,000 to One Tree Planted: providing 10,000 trees to a project in Kuzma’s home state of Michigan. Moreover, as part of PUMA’s forever better strategy, the label has committed to sourcing cotton, polyester, leather, down feathers, and cardboard from certified sources and increasing the percentage of recycled materials throughout its entire product range.

With prices ranging from $40 to $250 USD, the Childhood Dreams x PUMA capsule collection is now available on PUMA’s website, mobile app, and select flagship stores.

For more information on PUMA’s Forever Better sustainability strategy and other eco-conscious initiatives like RE:SUEDE, visit this link.