Building on their well-established relationship, PUMA and Undefeated introduce their latest Microdot Collection. Having focused solely on the PUMA Clyde for their past projects, the PUMA x Undefeated Microdot Collection adopts original interpretations of both a Clyde and a PUMA RS silhouette. Blending the timeless sport-inspired aesthetics of the Clyde and PUMA RS with contemporary patterns and prints generally used in ready-to-wear apparel, the Microdot collection applies patterned suede construction to the entirety of the capsule. Made available in minimal black and grey tonal colorways, the collection will release on November 10 through select stockists.

See below for a brief Q&A with Eddie Cruz from Undefeated about the release.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the Microdots
Inspiration came from early 90′s fashion dress shirts. Besides, it’s time to start showing a little bit of whimsicalness with kicks going forward.

This is the first time within this collection that you have included a style other than the Clyde, why did you choose the RS and how was it to work with another shoe?
The RS’s are a classic looking very timely kick. It’s what people want to wear – High Tops. We took a little piece of the Microdot Clyde and applied it to them. I think people will dig them.

Do you plan to explore other styles in future drops? Or stick with the classic?
As of now, we plan to stick with the Clyde, although we have some experimental stuff coming up in 2012 with the Clyde. You’ll see.

What design challenges did you run into with the Microdots?
None. PUMA got them right on the first go around.

Can you tell us about the name Microdot? Does this have any sort of significance? Or Military inspiration like some of the previous names in the collection?
No, not at all. The name Microdot is also an exact description of what we did with this particular drop. I think they look quite sophisticated.

How do you feel this shoe fits into trends our there in the market place right now?
You’ll start to see other brands adding fun elements to their kicks. The whole basic thing is almost over. You need a twist on it.

This is the first time you have incorporated a pattern or print in the designs, is this something we will see more of?
Yes

How do you feel this drop fits in with the past drops in the collection?
Well, it’s a Clyde with the same high quality tooling as the previous. Only difference is the pattern on the shoe. It’s important for us to stay consistent, but also flex a little bit of flavor to keep things new and fresh.

The recent collaborative effort between sport-centric brands UNDFTD and PUMA was a contemporary take on a classic proven to command admiration as well as innovation, and one of many to come. UNDFTD co-owner Eddie Cruz sits down to discuss the progressive relationship with PUMA and how they are simultaneously reappropriating such iconic footwear in the process.

UNDFTD kicks off its upcoming collaboration this weekend with the launch of the Eddie Cruz-designed UNDFTD x Kangol ECK – 1. Combining the pedigree and heritage of Kangol with the inspiration of a traditional baseball cap, Eddie Cruz gave us a little insight into the creation of the ECK – 1. The UNDFTD x Kangol ECK – 1 releases instore on Saturday, May 29th at UNDFTD Chapter locations and online at UNDFTD.com.

Can you go over the details and process of designing the ECK – 1. How does the ECK – 1 differ from Kangol’s usual line of caps?
Eddie Cruz: This is a completely new style for Kangol. We took traditional features from a Major League Baseball cap and threw them on a classic Kangol Driving Hat.

Did you always have a clear vision as to how you would re-appropriate a hat given the opportunity?
EC: Yes, I’ve worn Kangol my whole life. Undefeated being a sports inspired brand gave me the perfect opportunity to put a simple but wearable twist on a classic.

Where there any difficulties in production due to the new style?
EC: No, not at all. It’s all about providing the manufacturer with proper fabric and color standards. This, along with a thorough tech pack, makes the process super easy.

When going to the design board for an accessory like a cap, you’re probably left with certain limitations relative to designing footwear due to the real estate you have to work with. Does this make it more difficult or easier to design headwear?
EC: Fact is, if your restyling something that’s going to be on some ones head, it needs to be simple. The details we added to this traditional driving hat are so subtle, that you hardly notice them, but if you look closely, you can totally see where the inspiration came from.

Over the last few months of 2010, we’ve seen UNDFTD at the center of a number of team-up projects. The topic has been beaten to death but arguably UNDFTD have as much experience as any in collaborations. Have you figured out the proper way to execute or angle a collaboration in a new era?
EC: Well, we like to go with a ‘less is more” philosophy. We’re lucky enough to have a few icons and phrases that we always work with. In the end, we know that authenticity is the most important aspect in head wear.

Much of UNDFTD’s collaborative projects have seen you partner mostly with well-known personalities and brands, anything in the plans to work together with some factions that are lesser known as well?
EC: Yes, we plan on working with brands like Native, Clae, Gourmet and Generic Surplus just to name a few. These are brands that we carry and sell very well in all of our shops.

The UNDFTD world seems to encompass any and every sport from automotive racing to soccer and other traditional North American sports, what’s a sport that perhaps isn’t big in America that you can really get behind and appreciate?
EC: Rugby?

The 2010 World Cup is this year’s defining sports event, who’s your favorite to be crowned champions in 2010?
EC: USA-USA-USA…

Nike Sportswear take the time to chop it up with UNDFTD’s Eddie Cruz, designer behind this recently released Nike AF1 HI Supreme West Edition as part of the broader Rivals Pack. Cruz goes into his whole process of design and inspiration which encompasses a lot of hands on approaches. His AF1 HI is inspired by both the strong legacy of professional sports franchises on the West Coast as well as women’s high fashion as suggested by the gray python embossed suede. The Eddie Cruz x Nike AF1 HI Supreme West Edition is available now at select retailers. Watch the video over at Nike Sportswear.

The latest addition to the Nike Sportswear LIVESTRONG pack manifests itself with this Eddie Cruz designed Air Force 1 Supreme Low. The shoe features the return of UNDFTD’s iconic shemagh pattern which was seen in previous releases in the past with various references to the whole LIVESTRONG campaign. Other notable details and highlights include a leather-wrapped midsole, leather liner and a laser etching, “ON YOUR BIKE KID”. Check your local Nike Sportswear dealer for availability as these release on Friday, November 13th at Qubic.

The highly respected Rickey Kim, founder of Evil Monito Magazine, teams up with Levi Maestro for the launch of his new web-based series The Process. In this inaugural episode, we gain a better understanding of Eddie Cruz (Undefeated/Supreme), his influence on modern day street culture and the mind behind some of the more successful collaborative projects in recent years. Offering a new and refreshing concept, The Process captures creatives in their purest form, narrated by the wise words of Mr. Kim.

Complimenting the previously seen Air Force 1 Lows, Eddie Cruz of Undefeated fame, designs a pair of High tops to compliment his 1st design in the West Rivalry Collection. This time around, the shoes feature a more toned-down color palette yet still maintain the snakeskin uppers as the base component. Additional details include patent leather/suede uppers and leather midsoles paired with Nike’s proprietary 0.44 sticky rubber outsoles, offering premium performance and traction. Retailing for $195 USD, they are now available via the Kix-Files online store.

As part of the East/West rivalry of Air Force 1 designs, an upcoming release features the design work of UNDFTD’s Eddie Cruz as it features a tonal purple snakeskin upper with a yellow Swoosh.A red outsole utilizing Nike’s proprietary 0.44 compound for added traction can also be seen. Available in October at select Nike Sportswear retailers.

Source: Sneaker Freaker

As part of Nike’s “Regions” pack set to debut in the latter half of 2009, here’s a look into something UNDFTD’s Eddie Cruz cooked up representing the West side. Based on LA Dodgers colors, the upper also features a fishscale like texture. Available in December of 2009.

Source: Foot Locker Unlocked