Inside the new collaboration between PUMA and Hajime Sorayama

PUMA's collaboration with Japanese illustrator Hajime Sorayama marks his second foray into the realm of artistic fusion, this time dedicated to celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Renowned for detailed and provocative portrayals of feminine robots, Sorayama, who describes his style as "superrealism," brings a unique perspective to this collaboration featuring the mythological dragon. Dragon-themed artworks adorn hoodies, t-shirts, and silver remakes of two PUMA sneakers, one with a lower silhouette and one chunkier. Responding to how he envisioned this collection compared to the first, Sorayama states: "For this collection to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, PUMA has selected the dragon artworks I have created in the past to design this collaboration. It's a lucky charm, get the items and receive good luck everyone!" The dragon, a very important figure in Asian mythology, was considered by the artist from an aesthetic rather than symbolic point of view. When we asked him about his perception of dragons in culture and art, Sorayama revealed: "I don't have strong feelings towards dragons.　 In Japan, dragons are depicted with three fingers, but in China, they are said to have five fingers. The interesting thing about legends is that they change a lot depending on the country and generation, like a message game".

Considering the value of fashion as a medium for his art, given his numerous collaborations, Sorayama describes it as a "walking ad" and urges fans to support the collection: "To preserve my creations for future generations, please show your kind support by purchasing and wearing the collaboration!" However, when asked if he ever thought of designing clothes, the artist firmly responds: "No, I haven’t. For mochi, go to a mochi shop. There is a saying like this in Japan. The experts know best. I just draw things I like." As for the most important fashion piece, Sorayama unequivocally declares: "Stiletto heels. I think the aesthetic sense and madness of women and ladyboys walking in stiletto heels are incredibly sexy."

Delving into the creative process behind the dragon artworks in the original pieces, Sorayama humorously shares: "One day, a great monk came to me in a dream and told me to draw a dragon to exterminate demons, so I did my best to draw it." With this being his second collaboration with the brand, one may wonder, what brings the German brand and the illustrator so close. Reflecting on personal memories related to PUMA as a brand, Sorayama recounts another dream from years ago: "When I was a kid, I remember wearing PUMA shoes at a sports day and running faster than the Olympic record at the time. However, my mother appeared in my dream last night and scolded me saying it was a lie." Even if you won't break any Olympic records wearing your Hajime Sorayama x PUMA sneakers, they will take you to many places.