Kintsugi is a Japanese art form that refers to the ancient technique of repairing broken ceramics with gold lacquer. Rather than concealing the cracks, the process embraces them, turning the object’s history into something beautiful. Guided by this philosophy, the new collaboration between Puma and JiyongKim reimagines the classic Cell Geo, transforming it into what some might consider an objet d’art. The original design, known for its futuristic silhouette, is given a distinctly worn-in character, celebrating imperfection and the beauty of time.
JiyongKim is known for his experimental approach to menswear, so it comes as no surprise that the German sportswear brand tapped him for this latest project: a fresh take on the classic Cell Geo. The silhouette draws on Puma’s Cell technology, originally developed in the nineties for its performance footwear. Today, this technology is being reimagined through a lifestyle lens, bringing together nostalgia and avant-garde design. Staying true to this vision, JiyongKim introduced the lived-in philosophy to the new Cell Geo, creating a striking contrast between the shoe’s futuristic design and technical features and the poetry of ageing, wear and the natural passage of time.
The silhouette’s sculptural form is reworked through aged fabrics, distressed detailing, frayed laces and distinctive surface treatments. Every element is carefully considered to celebrate the beauty of stitches, traces and imperfections that naturally emerge with the passage of time, creating a constant tension between the shoe’s technical construction and its weathered appearance. The result is a distinctive reinterpretation that seamlessly merges Puma’s sportswear DNA with JiyongKim’s experimental and deconstructed vision.
If you’re looking to get your hands on a pair, you’ll have to wait until November 7, when the collaboration launches at Puma.com, Puma flagship stores, selected Puma retailers, and JiyongKim’s online store and flagship store in Seoul. The black colourway, meanwhile, will be available exclusively through JiyongKim in limited quantities. And lastly, for those lucky enough to be in Japan this month, the collaboration will also launch exclusively at GR8 on November 14, accompanied by a dedicated pop-up event.
