Jay-Z stylist-turned-Puma designer June Ambrose launched the footwear company’s new “Women’s Hoops” category last week.
The debut basketball-inspired lifestyle collection, Puma High Court, features an assortment of footwear and apparel styles, including a pair of fuzzy Leadcat slides, a faux fur jacket and a long-sleeve crop top. The collection—released Dec. 1 in North America on Puma.com and at Puma’s New York City flagship store and select Nordstrom locations—retails for $30 to $375.
“When designing this collection, I considered the lifestyle of women and how integral movement is to our wardrobes,” Ambrose said. “I wanted to harness the flexibility that we need and marry this with stylish versatility; each piece is designed to work for all of the positions that we inhabit and the many races we run in our lives every day.”
The Puma High Court collection offers four footwear options: the black-on-black Leadcat Glory slide, the leopard-spotted Maverick Court Rider, the black-and-white Regal RS Renegade and the fuzzy tan Legendary Suede. Red, orange, tan and black dominate the apparel selection, which includes tops, pants, shorts and hoodies.
“I thought about how style and fashion make me feel; when I look good, I feel good, I feel empowered, and I want to share that emotion with the women wearing this collection,” Ambrose added. “When women put on the High Court collection, I want them to feel bold, confident, and fierce.”
Ambrose joined Puma as a creative partner in October last year. Introduced to the brand via Jay-Z, she has since taken over the “Empire State of Mind” rapper’s role as creative director of Puma Hoops.
“June’s remarkable career of creating culture-defining moments over the past 25+ years is truly inspirational, and we are thrilled to have her intimately involved as the Creative Director of our Puma Hoops business,” Adam Petrick, global director of brand and marketing at Puma, said in a statement. “She has taken Puma Hoops to the next level, redefining our Women’s Hoops business with this collection, and truly merging streetwear style with performance.”