Here’s What Went Down at PUMA’s Forever Slipstream Event in Paris

On a sun-soaked Thursday evening, PUMA took to the heart of Bastille – one of Paris’ more vibrant, up-and-coming neighborhoods – to launch the new Slipstream BBall sneaker. Showcasing its past-to-present history across two floors of green-lit immersive displays, the event celebrated the reissued silhouette through the lens of PUMA’s distinct heritage in basketball.

Appearing on the basketball scene in 1987, the PUMA Slipstream succeeded the athletic Sky LX with a bolder silhouette, providing extra cushioning for performance and a more statement look for style adopters in fashion. Today’s version boasts a modern interpretation of its classic features including altered leather paneling, new block tones and extensive ventilation. In its newer additions, the Slipstream introduces a suede heel tab, pleated tongue and lateral piping, elevating the sneaker to everyday wearability with a mix of plush textures.

The Forever Slipstream event in Paris tapped into the basketball-to-lifestyle sensibility sewn into the contemporary Slipstream BBall, informing the variety of activations on schedule at the warehouse. Stepping into the event, guests were immediately transported into a PUMA emblazoned space, reminiscent of a basketball arena. Speakers amplified the sounds of roaring crowds and referee whistles into the changing room and hang-out space as well as the show-stopping tunnel walk passage.

The main events of the evening took place in the atrium where a flipped and remodeled basketball court structure cascaded from the ceiling to the floor. As the event was in full swing, attendees gathered here to observe freestyle influencer Brisco’s 1-on-1 game, judged by special guest LaMelo Ball. Following the intense tournament, basketball playing turned into dance-offs ushered by music from DJENDRIXX and OG DRICO.

Away from the high-energy hall, visitors explored the Slipstream through a considered assortment of immersive displays on the second floor. Along the walls, posters from PUMA’s latest campaign led to a capsule museum housing podiums of Slipstream sneakers taken from the archives in Herzogenaurach. With 2003 and 2014 editions landing at the forefront, the considered line-up aimed to highlight how the evolution of the sneaker was seminal to the creation of the new BBall sneaker.

On reflection, the Forever Slipstream event celebrated more than just the sneaker, touching on the realms of sport, fashion, music and even dance in one space. The experiential spectacle, as well as the diverse community of guests, successfully showcased the wide-spanning influence that basketball has and how the Slipstream has been a catalyst for such moments.

Basketball collective Queens of Peckham shared how these events are important for an inclusive sport. “The PUMA Slipstream event is a nice bringing together of different people from different backgrounds who are involved in the basketball scene in some sort of way,” founder Rudy explains. “For grassroots organizations like us, we get to meet new people that we wouldn’t usually come across. Our mission is to create more space for trans and non-binary people in sport, something that is getting lots of attention right now because it’s really lacking.”

In an interview with PUMA, LaMelo Ball shares the same sentiment, saying, “I think it’s very important for NBA players to use their influence to inspire and give back to the community. I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can use my platform to make a difference with my AAU Team and in the local community.”

Get a first-hand look at the Forever Slipstream event in Paris via the gallery above. To shop the new Slipstream BBall, head to PUMA’s website, global stores or partner stockists now.