The fusion of blokecore and balletcore

Metaphorically, it is argued that soccer is a dance, primarily due to the sensitivity exhibited by some players in handling the ball. This comparison has been taken literally by PUMA, which, in collaboration with Coperni, has created a new sneaker named 90SQR. It is an amalgamation of a ballet flat and the soccer shoe model known as Future Ultimate. The 90SQR adopts the dimensions, especially the volume, of a classic low-top sneaker, featuring an upper marked by the wavy details of the Future Ultimate. However, it is embellished with a square toe, reminiscent of the Nike Shox curated by Martine Rose, resembling a feature also found in footwear models by brands like Balenciaga and Miista, to name a few. Above all, the angular toe alludes to classic ballet shoes, demonstrating the successful fusion of soccer and dance aesthetics by PUMA and Coperni. Among the prevailing trends in the fashion system in recent years, blokecore and balletcore have emerged victorious. While the former has been widely discussed and continues to be revisited in various nuances, the latter remains distant from saturation, catering to a more niche audience. Trends are undoubtedly transient, and the collaboration between these two could present itself to the public in a completely different form.

Balletcore and Blokecore and the opening to the female market

The juxtaposition of these two sports spheres may seem dissonant; however, the relationship between dance and soccer, at least aesthetically, could hide more than a few points of convergence. Especially since blokecore has attempted to elevate itself stylistically, creating unique looks - as seen in the lookbooks of adidas and Wales Bonner collections - a more concrete consideration of the trend has emerged. Balletcore, on the other hand, has achieved success, as evidenced by impressive figures, especially thanks to brands such as Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, and The Row, revitalizing ballet flats, a product that seemed, until a few years ago, consigned to oblivion. While both trends have garnered attention in their own way, why can't tracksuits, low-top sneakers, knee-high socks, or even ballet flats be combined? PUMA's effort could contribute to the prolongation of the lifespan of two trends that would solidify as timeless styles. Leveraging balletcore, blokecore could attract a significantly larger female audience. Additionally, the choice to collaborate with Coperni is not random, considering the brand's ability to quickly become viral.

PUMA's Heritage

It is curious to discover how PUMA will offer its interpretation of dancewear, assuming that the collaboration with Coperni is not a standalone effort. Considering the modus operandi of the German brand, which has recently relaunched the PUMA Mostro, a sneaker inspired by the sprint spike discipline, and shone a spotlight on Formula One through the inclusion of A$AP Rocky as creative director, we expect not to be disappointed by this unexpected fusion of balletcore and blokecore. It appears that PUMA wants to rediscover an important part of its heritage, attempting to connect with more niche audiences, such as the dance community. However, this is, in essence, a dual strategy. Regarding its reference sport, namely soccer, PUMA is expanding its roster of athletes quantitatively and qualitatively, aiming for an increasingly brighter future.