#FASHION: PUMA Drops An Exclusive Black History Month Clyde

Founded as an elementary school in 1923 by a former slave, Atlanta’s David T. Howard School converted into a high school in 1948. In its fifty years it became a game-changer by setting a new precedent for education, playing a significant role in the civil rights movement and producing prominent alumni including basketball and PUMA legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier. This year, PUMA celebrates the school and its role in US nation’s history with two capsule collections incorporating footwear and apparel.

Last year, PUMA honoured Olympic athlete Tommie Smith by releasing special iterations of the PUMA Suede and Sky II High. Each shoe was emblazoned with Smith’s iconic Olympic silhouette where he stood up for human rights and African-American’s atop the medal podium in the 1968 games.

For 2017, the first drop debuts on January 13th and includes two premium iterations of the iconic PUMA Clyde. The Clyde Bball takes design inspiration from a basketball through its leather textured upper. Standout gold eyelets give a nod to Clyde’s many basketball trophies. The

Clyde Wool boasts a completely different inspiration. Featuring a mix of wool and chenille to mimic high school letter jackets it bears the colors of blue and gold, the school’s theme.

The second drop follows on February 2nd with the introduction of apparel and accessories alongside new footwear styles. Varsity favorites, the Clyde T7 Jacket and Pant, show off a slim cut sweat in the school’s blue and gold. Assorted tee’s in men’s and women’s fits highlight the year Clyde graduated and ask its wearer ‘What Will Your Legacy Look Like?” For footwear, the newly introduced IGNITE evoKNIT shows off with a blue and gold premium knitted upper and ankle cuff. The basketball inspired Sky II Hi has a clean blue leather upper and dual lacing, so the wearer can decide how to style. Finally, his and hers Clyde’s finish the collection, with a preppy white leather upper and blue leather formstripe. The shoe features the high school’s emblem on its tongue.

PUMA continues to work with the David T. Howard School Alumni Association and Atlanta Public Schools to support and fund community growth and engagement in the Atlanta area. Walt “Clyde” Frazier feels proud of the legacy the school has built in the city stating, “I’m deeply honoured to be an alumnus of the David T. Howard school. The institution fostered the growth of some of our nation’s brightest leaders and I feel this collection captures the essence of that and what the school did for so many.”

As the school slogan states, ‘Blue and Gold will save your soul’ so check out the shoe on @PUMASouthAfrica or PUMA.com.

#PumaBlackHistory #Sneakerhead #Trainers #Sneaker #SportsLuxe