Kehinde Wiley x UNEP x PUMA "Play For Life" Lacelets

Fresh off a new book release titled The World Stage: Brazil, artist Kehinde Wiley continues his partnership with PUMA and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the “Play for Life” campaign. With the African Nations Cup of football/soccer taking place this month in addition to the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, all eyes are on the continent of Africa over the next few months. Kehinde Wiley’s print designs make their way onto a series of lacelets seen here with his work also previously presented on a pair of PUMA V1.10 boots. Below are shots of the debut of the PUMA and UNEP “Play For Life” Partnership and PUMA Africa Unity Kit.

This morning at a press conference in Nairobi, PUMA and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced a strategic partnership, “Play for Life,” supporting biodiversity worldwide and specific initiatives in Africa. Joined by the Indomitable Lions, Cameroon’s national football team (that’s soccer, for those of you Stateside), and team captain Samuel Eto’o, PUMA also unveiled The PUMA Africa Unity Kit, the world’s first continental football uniform, which will be worn as a third kit by each of the 12 African football teams that PUMA sponsors during the run-up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa this June and July. The PUMA Africa Unity Replica Jersey launches in stores in May.

With all eyes on Africa during the 2010 football season, the PUMA Africa Unity Kit makes a compelling global statement, uniting Africa’s teams as a powerful force in world football while raising awareness of the importance of environmental issues. PUMA also has a host of other gear launching in the coming months designed to generate additional funds to support biodiversity, including PUMA Unity t-shirts and PUMA Lacelets, collectable shoe laces featuring patterns from world-renowned artist Kehinde Wiley.