As excitement builds for the FN Achievement Awards on Dec. 4, one of the event’s most coveted honors has been revealed: A$AP Rocky x Puma will receive this year’s Collaboration of the Year award.
The celebrated rapper will accept the award during the FNAA red carpet and gala event on Dec. 4 at Cipriani South Street in New York.
“We’ve been working hard together on developing product that speaks to me and my culture and blurs the lines between motorsport, streetwear and fashion,” A$AP Rocky told FN. “It’s been an exciting challenge, and I’m really happy with how my designs and creative interpretations have come to life. Puma has given me the keys to push the boundaries, and I’m immensely grateful for their trust. This is just the beginning.”
Since Rocky joined Puma late last year as the creative director for the brand’s F1 partnership, the rapper has incorporated motorsport design elements across all of his offerings. And with the rising popularity of F1 in the U.S., the timing of this buzzy partnership couldn’t be better.
In a series of releases this year, A$AP Rocky and Puma delivered multiple sell-out distressed versions of the Inhale sneaker and a highly imaginative, 3D-printed edition of the Mostro shoe. The music star’s latest collection, which dropped on Thursday, featured night racing-inspired black and green colorways of the Inhale and Mostro yet again.
“In the highly competitive collaborations market, this unique pairing truly stands out,” said Michael Atmore, chief brand officer of Fairchild Media Group and editorial director of FN. “Reaching across the worlds of sports, music and pop culture, A$AP Rocky’s powerful influence and artistry, combined with Puma’s strong focus on creating must-have product, makes for a perfect match. We are thrilled to honor Puma and Rocky at the FNAAs.”
The A$AP Rocky x Puma collaboration joins a growing list of honorees that will be celebrated at the 38th annual FNAA ceremony in December. More winners will be revealed soon.
The FNAAs — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — honor the style stars and industry legends who have creatively defined the industry and provided fresh perspective, influential designs, compelling stories, business expansion and more.