In a move that solidifies the future of luxury streetwear, PUMA and Parisian design provocateur Mats Rombaut have officially announced the final chapter of their collaboration: PUMA x ROMBAUT Season 2, “Forget Gravity.” Launching November 22nd, this collection is far more than a sequel to their sold-out debut; it’s a definitive statement on the power of eco-conscious design, the cultural currency of nostalgia, and the urgent desire for lightness in a world weighed down by chaos. By radically transforming the iconic Speedcat silhouette with ROMBAUT’s signature “Levitation” sole and a suite of future-minded vegan materials, this partnership doesn’t just sell sneakers—it sells a vision of defiance, elevation, and responsible artistry that is already shaping the industry’s next trajectory.
The Highly Anticipated Final Act
When the first PUMA x ROMBAUT collection dropped, it wasn't just a success; it was a market signal. The rapid sell-out created a palpable sense of anticipation, transforming the partnership from a promising experiment into a cult phenomenon. The news of this final installment, which broke on November 18th, sent immediate ripples through both high-fashion and sneakerhead communities. The urgency is twofold: it’s the last chance to own a piece of this specific creative dialogue and a testament to the power of limited, narrative-driven releases.
This final collection, available at rombaut.com and through a curated list of elite global retailers like Slam Jam, Luisaviaroma, and GR8, is poised to exceed its predecessor's success. It represents the culmination of a shared vision, a closing argument for a new kind of fashion—one that is as technically innovative as it is ethically grounded.
Deconstructing the Design: From Racetrack to Runway
At the heart of “Forget Gravity” lies a brilliant act of design alchemy. The collection introduces three new styles that all build upon the sleek, low-profile architecture of the PUMA Speedcat, a silhouette with deep roots in performance motorsport. ROMBAUT has taken this nostalgic icon and completely reimagined it through an eco-futurist lens.
The most dramatic intervention is the collaborator’s signature “Levitation” sole. Chunky, sculptural, and almost alien in its form, it elevates the Speedcat both literally and figuratively, creating a powerful visual dichotomy between the shoe’s grounded, performance-driven history and its new, avant-garde identity. This isn't just a sole; it's a platform for a new ideology.
The material choices further this narrative, showcasing a commitment to next-generation, vegan craftsmanship. The collection features:
- A technical silver mesh that evokes a sleek, space-age aesthetic.
- High-quality artificial leathers and suedes that prove ethical materials need not compromise on luxury.
- Distinctive gum soles on select colorways, adding a touch of retro warmth to the futuristic designs.
- ROMBAUT's signature cell bubble detailing, an organic, almost biological flourish that speaks to the collection's theme of harmonizing technology and nature.
Offered in Silver, White, and a distressed Black, each colorway tells a slightly different story. The result is a shoe that feels both familiar and entirely new—a hybrid artifact that challenges our expectations of what a sneaker can be, embodying a shift from sterile minimalism to a more expressive, *biodesign-inspired maximalism*.
A Message of Levitation in Heavy Times
The collection’s subtitle, “Forget Gravity,” is its philosophical core. In a period defined by social, political, and environmental turmoil, the campaign and its product offer a form of escapism rooted in empowerment. It’s a call to rise above the noise and reclaim a sense of freedom and weightlessness.
Mats Rombaut himself articulates this vision with poetic clarity. “Levitation becomes more than a design: it’s a feeling of being worry-less and unbound, but still connected,” he explains. “Floating through nature, the wearer exists between dream and earth, suspended in a moment where nothing pulls them down.” This sentiment is echoed in the official collection statement, which frames Season 2 as “a refusal to be brought down” in a “world of chaos.”
This is where the collaboration transcends mere product and becomes a cultural touchstone. It taps directly into the Gen Z and millennial zeitgeist, which values not only aesthetic innovation but also brands that offer a meaningful point of view. The campaign visuals, shot by Marc Souvenir with creative direction from Rombaut Studio, reinforce this message by juxtaposing the hyper-technical footwear against serene, natural landscapes, creating a world where technology and nature exist in a dreamlike symbiosis.
The New Blueprint for Luxury Collaboration
The business and cultural impact of PUMA x ROMBAUT extends far beyond its immediate commercial success. This partnership serves as a new paradigm for collaborations in the luxury space, setting precedents that will influence the market for years to come.
First, it validates the strategy of pairing a global sportswear giant with a niche, avant-garde designer. PUMA gains immense cultural credibility and access to a discerning, ethically-minded consumer, while ROMBAUT leverages PUMA’s technical prowess and global distribution network. It's a masterclass in symbiotic brand elevation.
More importantly, it cements vegan, future-minded materials as a non-negotiable standard for high-end, contemporary design. ROMBAUT's unwavering commitment to sustainability, combined with PUMA's scale, demonstrates that ethical innovation is not a compromise but a catalyst for creativity. This collection effectively raises the bar for every other sports-luxury crossover, moving eco-consciousness from a niche selling point to a core tenet of modern luxury.
Finally, it perfects the formula of fusing retro icons with experimental futurism. By choosing the Speedcat, the collaboration taps into a collective nostalgia while simultaneously propelling the silhouette into an entirely new context. This blend of past and future creates a product that feels both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating—the hallmark of a truly collectible design piece.
The Final Verdict: A Collector's Item with a Conscience
As the final installment, PUMA x ROMBAUT “Forget Gravity” is more than just a collection; it is a legacy. It stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful collaboration, radical design, and a forward-thinking ethos. These are not just sneakers to be worn; they are artifacts of a pivotal moment in fashion, where the lines between performance, luxury, and sustainability have finally dissolved.
In refusing to be weighed down by convention, PUMA and Mats Rombaut have created something that truly elevates the conversation. It’s a powerful closing statement that proves the future of fashion isn't on the ground—it’s floating just above it.
