Puma Launches the International G Vilas Tour
This month, Japan will see the launch of the Puma G Vilas. From Japan, this tour will globe trot around the world hitting up seven countries including Sweden, Germany, France, Hong Kong, the UK and finally concluding in Argentina, the home country of tennis legend Guillermo “Young Bull of Pampas†Vilas. The tour will feature 3 cabinets filled with Vilas trophies and personal keepsakes. Guillermo Vilas can only be described as a quintessential playboy. Known for his good looks and awesome tennis ability, Guillermo quickly rose to fame on and off the court for his sublime ability to beat opponents through strength, fitness, and patience which all culminated in an ability to outlast opponents. However Guillermo was equally apt at carrying out various extracurricular party activities outside of tennis. 30 years ago, Guillermo Vilas created tennis history by going on a rampage in 1977. He won 17 tournaments to the tune of 145 match wins and only 14 match losses. Nestled within this impressive record was a 50 match winning streak that resulted in both the French and US Open titles. The re-issue of the Puma G Vilas comes straight “From the Puma Archives”, original colorways have been released alongside brand new colorways to capture and recreate the essence of what made the Puma G Vilas such an important piece of Puma history. A special sneaker release to commemorate Vilas’ accomplishments will release under the banner of GV Hall of Fame. This sneaker will feature creamy white leather combined with a perforated gray suede toe. The trademark leather Puma formstripe will feature Argentinan blue. One of the most noticeable characteristics is the picture of Vilas on the tongue of the GV Hall of Fame. This photo was taken in 1977 following Vilas win at the 1977 French Open. The heel logo’s on the left and right shoe feature 19 and 91 respectively, a tribute to Vilas induction year in the Tennis Hall of Fame. Rounding out the features are light blue and white laces, combined with an Argentine yellow to complete the package. Check the short Q&A with Guillermo Vilas after the jump.
This month, Japan will see the launch of the Puma G Vilas. From Japan, this tour will globe trot around the world hitting up seven countries including Sweden, Germany, France, Hong Kong, the UK and finally concluding in Argentina, the home country of tennis legend Guillermo “Young Bull of Pampas†Vilas. The tour will feature 3 cabinets filled with Vilas trophies and personal keepsakes.
Guillermo Vilas can only be described as a quintessential playboy. Known for his good looks and awesome tennis ability, Guillermo quickly rose to fame on and off the court for his sublime ability to beat opponents through strength, fitness, and patience which all culminated in an ability to outlast opponents. However Guillermo was equally apt at carrying out various extracurricular party activities outside of tennis.
30 years ago, Guillermo Vilas created tennis history by going on a rampage in 1977. He won 17 tournaments to the tune of 145 match wins and only 14 match losses. Nestled within this impressive record was a 50 match winning streak that resulted in both the French and US Open titles.
The re-issue of the Puma G Vilas comes straight “From the Puma Archives”, original colorways have been released alongside brand new colorways to capture and recreate the essence of what made the Puma G Vilas such an important piece of Puma history. A special sneaker release to commemorate Vilas’ accomplishments will release under the banner of GV Hall of Fame. This sneaker will feature creamy white leather combined with a perforated gray suede toe. The trademark leather Puma formstripe will feature Argentinan blue. One of the most noticeable characteristics is the picture of Vilas on the tongue of the GV Hall of Fame. This photo was taken in 1977 following Vilas win at the 1977 French Open. The heel logo’s on the left and right shoe feature 19 and 91 respectively, a tribute to Vilas induction year in the Tennis Hall of Fame. Rounding out the features are light blue and white laces, combined with an Argentine yellow to complete the package.
Check the short Q&A with Guillermo Vilas after the jump.
Questions & Answers
Guillermo Vilas
Q: Did you consider yourself a playboy in 1977?
A: No. I was just interested in playing the best tennis I could.
Q: How would you define your style in 1977?
A: I was trying to keep myself in control while dominating my opponent.
Q: What is your career highlight?
A: Winning the French and US Opens. I peaked at the right time both at the same year.
Q: Who was your toughest component?
A: Myself and my coach, we were both committed totally to tennis.
Q: What was your favorite thing to do after a win?
A: A bottle of champagne and exploring the night.
Q: How did you celebrate winning the French Open 1977?
A: With Ion Tiriac and close friends at Chez Catel.
(a look at the upcoming colorways of the G Vilas)
Q: Which tennis player today do you most admire?
A: I like watching Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Q: Do you still play tennis?
A: Yes, I still play every day.
Q: You’ve been a spokesperson for PUMA for a long time? What does the collaboration mean to you?
A: They allow me the freedom to express myself and my style. I really enjoy working with them and I’m excited about the new french 77 collection.
Q: What do you think of the PUMA French 77 collection?
A: It is a perfect marriage of the spirit of 1977 and the style of 2006.
Q: Who do you consider to be a playboy today?
A: Brad Pitt.
Q: How is the playboy lifestyle different today than in 1977?
A: Today there is a more complicated arrangement. There is more adventure and a willingness to explore. A playboy today is more of a sophisticated charmer.
Back then there was more taking advantage of situations, a playboy was more of a liar seeking their own interests.
