At Proper we’re not hugely qualified when it comes to talking about rap music – or rap artists for that matter. We tend to keep anything involving rap or rappers at arm’s length, not because we’re not into it, but mainly because we worry we’re at risk of sounding really old when talking about rap-related stuff.
There’s nothing worse than trying to be down with the kids, and while we really hope we don’t ever come across that way, the thought of it is mortifying. Our biggest fear is being perceived as this fella, and now we think about it, linking a Facebook video might not help our case…
Anyway, sometimes rapper-related clothing news comes in partnership with brands that we actually do feel qualified to talk about, or it’s just so good we have to talk about it.
The latest piece of news to fall on our lap ticks both of those criteria, and that’s because Skepta has joined forces with PUMA for the second time to produce a collection of clothing and a pair of shoes.
For this instalment, in what is now a recurring collaboration, Skepta’s distinct style has been fused with PUMA’s sportswear archive and then put under an outdoor lens. The result of this treatment is a host of Pertex-equipped outerwear, accessories, and a fresh mid-top version of the Skope Forever trainer.
A quick bit on the footwear before we get into the outerwear…
The Skope Forever was introduced for Skepta and PUMA’s first collaboration back in May, but now returns in a peak-ready mid-top rendition, featuring considered outdoor details including a leather upper, rope laces and hiking-inspired lace stays. We’re a big fan of the orange lace and brown upper colour combo here.
But that’s where the colour ends for the collection, as Skepta and PUMA have opted to blackout all the other items on offer.
Those offerings come in the form of a hefty-looking Pertex Puffer and vest which present an array of zip pockets and make use of the collection’s exclusive PUMA x Skepta badge.
There’s also an intriguing-looking long-sleeve knit as part of the collection, which has a sort of high neck that then turns into a hood – it’s hard to explain so you’re probably better off looking at it for yourself…
Accompanying the larger pieces of the collection are a pair of lightweight hiking trousers and a duo of T-shirts and hats, one of which is just a pretty standard cap and the other is some kind of mad-looking boonie hat with built-in ear muffs.
Finally, the collection features a carry-all bag, which has also been adorned with that Skepta x PUMA branding.
If you were to have asked us what we reckon Skepta would wear on a hike, we’d have said something along the lines of what you can see in this collaboration – it blurs the lines between more high-end fashion and outdoor gear expertly well.
The collection is available to purchase from Saturday 2nd November from select PUMA retailers.
