The Rise of Skepta
From the gritty streets of the UK, Skepta’s climb to the top is nothing short of legendary. With his roots in British-Nigerian heritage, this grime maestro has become the scene’s most triumphant export. With five albums already rocking the charts and another one brewing, Skepta’s 2016 album Konnichiwa launched him to global fame. This sharp lyricist with unmatched style wasn’t just shaking up the music world—he was making waves across the entire cultural landscape.
Skepta’s Fashion Evolution
Skepta’s got a keen eye for vintage and archival designer threads, and growing up in the fashion-forward grime scene sharpened his style game. It’s no wonder he poured some of that energy into creating his own clothing line, MAINS. Around the same time, sneaker brands came knocking, and by 2022, Skepta teamed up with PUMA in an ambassadorship role that let him get hands-on. Fast forward two years, and the partnership’s first fruits are here. Meet the Skope Forever, Skepta’s debut signature sneaker.
Digging Through the PUMA Archive
Skepta’s love for old-school fashion is no secret, often reflected in his lyrics. So, it’s only fitting that the Skope Forever was born from a vintage gem. Big Smoke dove deep into PUMA’s archives, a treasure chest of unique and unreleased products. One pair stood out—a 2000s golf shoe called the PG Patent. With its brogue-style upper and striking green patent panels, it might seem an odd choice for Skepta. But he saw the potential to make it his own. The design got a lift, a new sole, and some chrome touches, morphing into the Skope Forever.
Dreaming Big
Creating a signature sneaker isn’t just about nailing the look—it’s about telling a story. The Skope Forever is a nod to all the kicks Skepta missed out on as a kid. With no formal design training, Skepta had to dig deep into his memories, recalling the magic of window shopping with his mum, wishing for shoes he couldn’t afford.
This nostalgic approach birthed some of his signature elements, like iridescent and chrome details, adding that essential wow factor. This consistent design language runs through all his collaborations, giving fans a recognizable Skepta vibe.
Making a signature shoe is a major milestone, letting Skepta put his personal mark on the product. One standout feature is the Rudagon emblem on the shoe’s tongue. After some serious negotiation with PUMA, Skepta got the green light to use this emblem, merging it seamlessly with the PUMA logo.
The Power of Genuine Collaborations
In a world full of half-baked collaborations, it’s refreshing to see artists like Skepta genuinely invested in their products. With heavyweights like Rocky, Rihanna, and Skepta, PUMA has a squad of true fashion enthusiasts pushing the envelope. These collaborators dive deep into the brand’s history and bring their own unique flair to the table.
Shutting Down Shoreditch
To launch the sneaker, Skepta and PUMA threw an epic party in London, Big Smoke’s hometown. The event kicked off with a full preview of the collection, including a giant model of the sneaker melting into the ground. The night heated up with a high-energy performance from the BBK crew. Before hitting the stage, Skepta led his fans through Shoreditch, shutting down streets as they marched to the venue.
Decked out in the collection’s tracksuit and rocking his next PUMA collab on foot, Skepta led the crowd to the stage. BBK members kept the energy high, all wearing the Skope Forever, wrapping up the night with an electrifying afterparty.
