From Paris to PUMA, Lycia Lamini talks about styling her way to the top and PUMA being an integral part of that journey.
For 50 years PUMA’s Suede Classic has remained relevant in sneaker culture and street fashion. It’s a shoe that people from all walks of life embrace, and that continues today as the younger generation begins their journey in Suedes. Through collaborations and limited-edition releases, PUMA keeps the designs fresh, attracting sneaker enthusiasts and collectors, as well as anyone looking for an affordable footwear option at a time when sneaker prices soar. The most recent interpretation, the Suede Classic XXI, refines a model steeped in five decades of dopeness by streamlining the profile and offering increased comfort with cushioning on the ankle and heel, making it suitable for all-day wear. The supple suede upper creates an elevated look, and the signature gold branding provides the perfect finishing touches. PUMA’s immense archives hold numerous silhouettes, and few brands can match the range of offerings they can pull to meet any moment in fashion. Pairing them with jeans, shorts, or a skirt adds effortless style to any look. But the Suede Classic XXI isn’t the only shoe for the PUMA aficionado. If you’re looking for direction on how to take your wardrobe up a notch, stylist Lycia Lamini is here to assist. The French-born Lamini worked her way from her small hometown to a bigger stage in Paris, helping style some of entertainment’s biggest names in-store and at premier fashion houses. Complex connected with the young artist to create outfits using PUMA’s Suede Classic XXI, Cali Dream and the Mayze Classic to help showcase the shoe’s versatility. But it doesn’t stop there. To show off Lamini’s different looks and offer you a chance to create your own wardrobe, readers are encouraged to mix and match the ‘fits with the different PUMA footwear using our interactive tool. Complex chatted with Lamini to discuss her style journey and how PUMA remains a part of that.

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women mannequin
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BULL DENIM SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT
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BLEACHED SCRIPTURE DENIM
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Mayze Classic (White)

lycia lamini

Lycia, talk about the matching top and shorts look with the Suede Classic XXI. What’s the vibe there?

That was more of a tomboyish look. It's cute and super simple and you can style it with some fake glasses, a little bob, and a lot of gold jewelry. That's going to give a super-tomboyish look. Then you can open the bottom buttons and put a little bra under to make it girly. You can play with it, or you can keep it boyish. I like both.

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Each one of these models has a different sole height. How does that factor into how you chose to style them?

With a super-thin sole, I would not have heavy pants. I wouldn’t wear this with, for example, cargo pants that are going to be straight with big pockets on the side. It's really such a classic but simple pair. I would wear a skirt with high socks, something light where you can see, for example, the legs and it's not looking too big on it. But then with the bigger sole like the Cali Dream or Mayze, you can go with something more heavy, like big cargo pants, a big jumpsuit, things like this.

So, you think the bigger the sole the bigger the look?

A hundred percent.

Which one of your four looks do you enjoy most and why?

I feel like each of them has its own singularity to it, but my personal favorite is the Cali Dream–cargo pants combo. That's what I would wear daily.

How do you balance comfort and style when creating these outfits?

All these looks are comfortable to me. It just depends on what season you wear [them]. I could be super comfortable in a short skirt like this in summer and still do my errands because as soon as you're comfortable in your shoes, that's all you really need.

What is your definition of great style?

For me, great style is being able to jump between different vibes. You should be able to rock anything and still look like you’re that girl. Sometimes I’ll be in baggy denim with a jersey, and then the next day, you’ll see me in a full pink Barbie sexy look. And the day after that, in a high-fashion tailored jumpsuit. I love to be a different person every time I pop out.

Let’s say you own the Cali Dream, the Mayze Classic, and the Suede Classic XXI and you’ve worn them all out. If you could only re-purchase one, which would it be and why?

I have all of them, but I would get the Suede Classic XXI for sure just because it’s iconic of the brand and it really goes with every style I decide to put on. I can wake up and be in a very girly look or a boyish one, or just want to wear Yoga shorts and the PUMA Suede Classic XXI fits every one of those looks.

Which one of these four looks would capture 16-year-old Lycia's attention?

The one with the skirt because I dressed more girly when I was younger. So, that's the one I would go with. I was and still am super obsessed with the Y2K look, super-pink looks. That's what I like.

Last question. Why do you think PUMA has remained relevant?

PUMA has this essence of fashion that separates them from other brands, that’s why I’ve looked up to them and their collaborations. They make sense for older and younger generations.

featured sneakers

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Suede Classic XXI (Peachskin-Puma White)
The Suede hit the scene in 1968 and has been changing the game ever since. It’s been worn by the icons of every generation and it’s stayed classic through it all. This year, we relaunch the Suede with fresh colorways and subtle design updates. Classic as ever.
  • Classic Suede lo-top silhouette
  • Full suede upper
  • Synthetic leather lining
  • Full lace closure
  • Additional laces included
  • Comfort sockliner for instant step-in cushioning
  • Rubber midsole and outsole for durable grip and traction
  • Gold metallic foil PUMA Suede callout at lateral side
  • PUMA Formstrip overlay at sides with perforated detailing
  • PUMA Archive woven label at tongue