PUMA First Round Chinese New Year
ART NUMBER: 347439-01
MADE ON: 09/08
MADE IN: CHINA
FACTORY: CDS
In 2009 PUMA released a special design of the First Round shoe to celebrate the new Chinese lunar year. The First Round style was first featured in the early 1980’s and was intended as a high-top alternative to the Basket.
The Chinese New Year editions combined dark chocolate suede and gold-stitched embroidery overlaying to create a pattern to honor Chinese traditions and culture. The stitching on the panels creates a quilted, reptilian pattern resembling the skin of a snake. The Puma stripe and a portion of the padded heel are Black, patent leather. An alternative colourway of Red/Metallic Gold and Burgundy was also available.
The tongue on this shoe is the show-stopper! The round emblem on the tongue features a circle of the 12 Chinese Zodiac characters, in gold and burgundy. The middle symbol represents 2009 being the Year of the Ox. The shoe tag on the outer panel has Kanji lettering and is a holiday phrase for the New Year. The back heel feature the PUMA leaping cat logo with a inter-locking border graphic in gold and red.
Over all the shoes are striking and the First Round was a bold choice, making them highly coveted. As such, finding a pair to purchase and add to your collection will prove difficult but not impossible.
Photography: errol
Text: Jennifer Gonzalez
