Joseph Junior Adenuga, better known by his stage name Skepta, has long established himself as a legend in the grime music scene. But beyond his formidable influence in music, Skepta has steadily carved out a niche in the fashion world. His upcoming collection with Puma, featuring the new Skope Forever sneaker is just the latest in a series of high-profile ventures that mark his evolution from grime MC to fashion icon. This editorial details Skepta’s slow burn into establishing himself as a fashion icon, tracing his path from the inception of his brand Mains to his collaborations with Nike, Bottega Veneta, and now, Puma.
In 2017, Skepta launched his clothing line, Mains. The brand was a reflection of his style—bold, urban, and unapologetically British. Mains quickly gained attention for its clean aesthetics and streetwear sensibilities. Skepta’s vision for Mains was to create high-quality, accessible pieces that stayed true to his roots. The brand's debut collection featured staple items like tracksuits, hoodies, and t-shirts, all imbued with a sense of London’s street culture.
Mains represented more than just clothing; it was an extension of Skepta's identity. Each piece was designed with a sense of authenticity, resonating with fans who saw him not just as a musician, but as a style influencer. The success of Mains laid the groundwork for Skepta’s future in fashion, establishing him as a credible designer in his own right.
Skepta's collaboration with Nike was a significant milestone in his fashion career. The partnership began in 2017 with the release of the Air Max 97 SK, a shoe that combined British and Nigerian cultural elements—a nod to Skepta's heritage. The design featured an iridescent upper inspired by the colors of a butterfly he encountered in Morocco, symbolizing transformation and new beginnings.
The success of the Air Max 97 SK led to subsequent collaborations, including the Air Max BW/97 hybrid and the Shox TL. Each release was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying Skepta’s status in the sneaker world. His ability to infuse personal stories and cultural references into his designs resonated with a global audience, making his Nike drops highly anticipated events in the sneaker community. “SK level, that's so gone, They wanna know how everything sold out, Which website do your shoes get sold on?” - Skepta on his track, No Sleep.
Skepta’s collaboration with luxury fashion house Bottega Veneta marked his entry into high fashion. In 2020, he teamed up with the brand for a special project that blended his streetwear sensibilities with Bottega Veneta’s high-end craftsmanship. The partnership included a range of exclusive pieces that showcased a seamless fusion of urban style and luxury. The collection was characterized by bold silhouettes, premium materials, and a distinctive aesthetic that echoed Skepta’s and Bottega Veneta’s design philosophies. This collaboration elevated Skepta's fashion credentials and demonstrated his influence in bridging the gap between streetwear and high fashion. Upper Echelon.
The Puma Partnership: A New Chapter
Skepta's upcoming collection with Puma is a highly anticipated drop that fuses Puma's storied athletic heritage with Skepta's signature streetwear style, resulting in a range that's both cutting-edge and eternally hard.
The center piece of this collection is the brand new Skepta x Puma Skope Forever sneaker, a silhouette designed from the ground up by Skepta himself. Crafted from a breathable mesh upper overlaid with synthetic panels, the shoe features a stealthy all-black colorway. Puma's iconic Form strip adorns the lateral and medial sides, while a brand new eagle logo, designed specifically for this collaboration, takes center stage on the tongue. Continuing the theme established with his Air Max Tailwind 5 collab, the midsole boasts a chunky build with a chrome foil finish, adding a touch of luxury and reflecting Skepta's penchant for bold details.
This Skepta x Puma collection extends beyond just footwear. Inspired by Puma's iconic T7 tracksuit, the collection also features a coordinated track jacket and track pants.
Additional pieces include a technical vest with unique tailoring, a sleek black-on-black backpack, gloves, and a cuffless beanie.
The first collection was available from 18 May 2024 from PUMA.com, PUMA flagship stores, and selected PUMA retailers with retail prices of around £180.
Skepta announced via a tweet on Saturday that the shoes were selling out, and had released a tweet on Sunday, May 19th, the #Skope had already sold out in Japan.
