Puma appoints June Ambrose as creative partner

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Oct 7, 2020

The longtime stylist to Jay-Z and Missy Elliott, June Ambrose, is bringing her talents to Puma in a new creative partnership with the brand.

Puma announced on Monday Ambrose will work on design for Puma’s women’s and girl’s lines with the first collections expected to be released in summer 2021.

Over the course of her 25-year career, Ambrose has equally been an award-winning costume designer, creative director and author. 

"June’s role as a creative partner highlights Puma’s continued focus on creating
premium offerings that merge style with performance," Puma said in a press release.

Ambrose added: “Beyond the collections, it’s important to me that the collaboration is rooted in social impact, and Pumas work in the social justice space to empower youth through sport makes them the perfect partner.”

The German sportswear company has landed a number of influential collaborations this year, both in sports and pop culture, including sponsorships of top soccer teams and partnerships with celebrities like Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, and Selena Gomez.

Ambrose was introduced to the brand via Jay-Z, who serves as the creative director for Puma Hoops, Puma said.

Adam Petrick, global director of brand and marketing at Puma, said: “Having the opportunity to bring an individual with such talent into the world of sports is unique and we are excited to see how she can redefine what it means to create a sportswear collection.”

Puma owner Kering said on Tuesday that it completed the sale of a 5.9 percent stake in the brand, causing Puma shares to fall 3.5 percent. 

Kering has increasingly focused on its high-margin luxury brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga in recent years, spinning off 70 percent of Puma to its shareholders in 2018. Kering bought the company for 5.3 billion euros in 2007.