PUMA links up with Lost Management Cities for Endless Routes collection

The new collaborative range draws inspiration from the style codes of running clubs across the world.

Following this summer’s PUMA X LMC GV Special collaboration, PUMA has once again partnered with Korean brand Lost Management Cities. This time, their new collection takes notes from the diverse attitudes and aesthetics of running clubs – from fashion-affiliated collectives to nighttime street racers – both in Seoul and globally.

Made up of outerwear, warmup essentials, accessories and footwear, Endless Routes sits neatly between sportswear and streetwear, utilising innovative functional solutions to create practical and versatile pieces – The PUMA x LMC Puffer, for example, is made with Pertex face fabric and Primaloft insulation, while the Reversible Jacket is complimented with cut-and-sew items. From vintage and graffiti-style aesthetics to specially created graphics, visual codes tie the collection together, elevating staples like the Hoodie, Sweatpants, T-shirts, 5-Panel Cap and Body Bag to make a statement.

Two new shoe options reflect these design references too, with the PUMA x LMC. Extos incorporating a vintage, early noughties feel to Endless Routes, while the Formstrip represents a fresh take on the PUMA GV Special.

View the collection in full below, and find out more from LMC’s Creative Director, Ted Kim.

How did the collaboration between PUMA and LMC come about? What made this partnership a natural fit for both brands and how did you envision it?
The collaboration between PUMA and LMC originated from the shared values and vision of both brands. PUMA and LMC both emphasise pushing boundaries between streetwear and sports while authentically representing urban culture with a global sensibility. This alignment in objectives naturally paved the way for the partnership, allowing the creation of a new synergy that could bridge these elements effectively.

Can you share the inspiration behind the Endless Routes collection and how it connects to the aesthetics of global running clubs?
The Endless Routes collection draws its inspiration from street graffiti artists who run through dark urban alleys, leaving tags behind. They resembled nighttime runners, and this shared connection became the key inspiration for the collection. We wanted to capture this experience of running through various paths, exploring endless possibilities while connecting cultures. To express this, we incorporated spray paint and marker pen tag graphics as patterns in various AOP designs. Additionally, to reflect the global nature of the collaboration, we included Korean phrases such as “PUMA,” “RUN!,” and “Night Running.” The result is a collection that blends street culture with the spirit of global running clubs.

How important is functionality in balancing fashion and performance in your designs?
Functionality plays a critical role in our designs, especially when balancing fashion and performance. For instance, runners often wear leggings and shorts for wind resistance and mobility, while others may opt for long pants. In this collaboration, we addressed this by implementing transformable pants, which cater to these needs. These considerations reflect our commitment to not leaning solely towards fashion or performance but instead focusing on fulfilling consumer demands with well-thought-out designs.

How does the Seoul scene specifically influence your approach to designing this collection?
The atmosphere of Seoul significantly influences LMC’s design approach, and to me, Seoul’s nights are more vibrant and dynamic than its days. We aimed to capture this energy by incorporating modern and futuristic elements like chrome, silver, and reflective details. This constantly changing landscape in Seoul inspires LMC to explore new directions and push creative boundaries. Through this collaboration, we reflected the multi-layered essence and energy of Seoul’s nightscape.

The PUMA x LMC footwear, both GV Special and Extos, features pre-worn details and vintage aesthetics. What was the vision behind blending these classic elements with modern streetwear?
At LMC, we have always valued the aesthetics of the passage of time. We find more inspiration in past legacies and vintage products than in newness and trends, and we wanted to incorporate this approach into this collaboration as well. In the GV Special and Extos models, we combined pre-worn details and classic styling with contemporary streetwear elements. This was not only about preserving the essence of time-honored designs but also about creating a fresh narrative that resonates with both nostalgia and current trends, staying true to the LMC spirit.