JiyongKim Reveals First Look at PUMA VS1 Collaboration
Featuring a raw-edged and sunbleached fabric upper.
Name: JiyongKim x PUMA VS1
SKU: TBC
Release Date: February 28
At Paris Fashion Week, JiyongKim provided the first look at its soon-to-release sneaker collaboration with PUMA. Revealed in two colorways, the JiyongKim x PUMA VS1 silhouette reveals a raw, artisanal reworking of the performance silhouette, stripped back and rebuilt through a hands‑on process.
Sunbleached fabric uppers lend each pair a unique tone, while frayed edges and exposed stitching emphasize a deliberately unfinished aesthetic. The patchwork‑like construction across the quarters and toe box creates a tactile, timeworn effect, complemented by tonal laces and understated co‑branding on the tongue. A subtly weathered midsole and durable outsole maintain PUMA’s athletic foundation, but the overall finish positions the sneaker as a hybrid between sport and craft, designed to feel lived‑in rather than factory fresh.
Unlike traditional “clean” collaborations that emphasize pristine finishes, the VS1 focuses on the beauty of wear over time and the unique character of sun-exposure. Compared to PUMA’s more standard performance-led releases, this “non-factory fresh” approach offers a rugged, organic alternative that resonates with the growing trend of deconstructed luxury. The limited capsule is scheduled to release on February 28, 2026, exclusively across Korea, China and Japan.
