How to style the PUMA Palermo (in Palermo)

You can’t spell ​“Palermo” without ​“pals” – well, after a few negronis anyway. With that sentiment in mind, the group of creatives and fashion types that PUMA invited on its recent trip to Sicily’s main city, to mark the return of its cult terrace sneaker, spent the week bonding over a love of living La Dolce Vita, drinking equally beautiful vino and serving looks the Italian way.

Staying in the pristine palatial surroundings of Villa Igeia, the group also checked out Villa Tasca for the first day, the actual gaff that Harper and Daphne go to in episode three of The White Lotus. But instead of chatting about cheating over Aperol spritzes (there might have still been a bit of that) it was transformed into Villa Palermo, a postcard-perfect representation of PUMA’s love of retro Italo aesthetics and sport. There was some excellent organised fun to be had, including a cooking class featuring traditional Sicilian treats and a pop-up PUMA market.

The group also explored the city with bonafide local Orazio Corona, co-owner of restaurant Corona Trattoria and a very well-connected ragazzo indeed. As well as hosting a dinner, Orazio took the guests to the city’s if-you-know-you-know hotspots, hopping from markets to opulent fountains to a tile-making workshop fuelled by vats of espresso.

PUMA’s visit to Palermo makes perfect sense: not only does PUMA sponsor Palermo FC, it’s also made the city its muse for the Palermo sneaker, originally part of a series released in the ​’80s inspired by Europe’s most iconic capitals. The gum-soled suede shoe fast became a staple of terrace style, worn by football crowd ultras and casuals into clobber.

Now, an updated version of the PUMA Palermo sneaker has seen it reimagined for a new gen of paninaro enthusiasts. The shoe’s zesty colourways and natural base match the pastel palette and classic architecture of the city perfectly, so it naturally became the choice of footwear for our feet as we sauntered through the city.

But how do you style a pair when you’re in Peckham rather than Palermo? We asked our host Orazio and a few of the guests to share their thoughts on the city, its food (turns out people love octopus – a lot) and the shoe, helping you match it up to your outfit whether you’re home or away.

What’s your favourite thing about the city of Palermo?

Definitely the environment: the nature, the people and the atmosphere. I love the relaxed and chill vibes here. Being here with so many kind people is definitely what makes the experience something I’ll remember.

How have you styled your PUMA Palermos?

So far I’ve styled my Palermos with baggy jeans with either a shirt or T‑shirt and either a leather jacket or pilot jacket depending on the occasion. I’ve tried to keep the colours neutral to balance it out with the bright blue Palermos. However, I did go all out one day with a pair of bright orange jeans to try something fresh and different.

What pairs perfectly with them?

I’d say the Palermos are quite versatile so they could be paired with anything. My favourite, though, is a pair of straight-fitted or baggy jeans with just a plain tee or sweater. I love the simplicity of that type of look.

What’s the best thing you’ve tasted on the trip?

One hundred per cent the pistachio ice-cream. I’m considering coming back just to get that again to be honest. Nothing compares!

Can you share some knowledge or a fact you’ve learned during your stay so far?

I’ve learned how to make pasta from scratch! It was such a cool experience and such a valuable skill. I can’t wait to make some homemade Italian pasta for my family and friends.

@kaylaspileofcrap @kayla_look

What’s your favourite thing about the city of Palermo?

The people and how open, welcoming and happy they seem.

How have you styled your PUMA Palermos?

I tried to incorporate classic elegance with their vintage streetwear vibe. I paired them with shirts, ties, and cardigans that allowed me to make the shoes the focus of the outfit.

What pairs perfectly with them?

The shoes go well with a lot of things, I personally enjoyed wearing them with more classy and preppy clothes, bringing that old-money vibe.

What’s the best thing you’ve tasted on the trip?

By far the wine.

Can you share some knowledge or a fact you’ve learned during your stay so far?

I have learnt that most of the cuisine here is based on seafood and that despite it being late November, Palermo feels like summer all year round.

@tim_matt @tymek_matusiak

What’s your favourite thing about the city of Palermo?

I think it’s the look of Palermo, how much energy the people in the city have and [how much] they love their own city.

How have you styled your PUMA Palermos?

I’ve always paired them with lots of colours because the sneakers are just perfect for being colourful.

What pairs perfectly with them?

Loose black jeans and a blue top!

What’s the best thing you’ve tasted on the trip?

I loved the pasta with the eggplant.

Can you share some knowledge or a fact you’ve learned during your stay so far?

How to make your own pasta! Plus that the city is full of art and renowned for its street food.

@25^o.clock @25^o.clock

What’s your favourite thing about the city of Palermo?

The architecture of the city for sure. The are so many little alleyways and corners of the city that hold so much history.

How have you styled your PUMA Palermos?

I’m usually an avid wearer of monochromatic clothing. So I’ve taken this opportunity to go pretty crazy with mixing colours, textures and vibes. I’m talking lace skirts with sports tops.

What pairs perfectly with them?

Pretty much anything. The silhouette is clean and simple, allowing it to fit into most environments. Personally, I would always go for a pair of baggy jeans with my Palermos.

What’s the best thing you’ve tasted on the trip?

Considering I’m not a massive fan of seafood, I was definitely forced out of my comfort zone this trip. Best dish award goes to the octopus.

Can you share some knowledge or a fact you’ve learned during your stay so far?

That Villa Tasca has been in the same family since the 16^th century. Crazy!

@16lolaforsyth @lolaforsyth

What’s your favourite thing about the city of Palermo?

The food, of course. I’m big on seafood so I’m loving it.

How have you styled your PUMA Palermos?

I associate trainers with the multiculturalism and streetwear culture of London, so I’ve used my classic style of mixing streetwear silhouettes with South Asian cultural jewellery.

What pairs perfectly with them?

They’re quite a flat shoe so i’d say baggy bottoms which don’t fall past the shoe and bright, solid colours.

What’s the best thing you’ve tasted on the trip?

It’s between the octopus and the calamari. I’m leaning towards the octopus.

Can you share some knowledge or a fact you’ve learned during your stay so far?

I appreciated learning how many Bengalis there are in Sicily (specifically Capo Market). I want to learn more about that migration.

@naelameen @nael.ameen

What’s your favourite thing about the city of Palermo?

The authenticity and spontaneous beauty of the city. It’s best explored slowly strolling through the streets.

How have you styled your PUMA Palermos?

With jeans or wide corduroy trousers.

What pairs perfectly with them?

A Palermo FC football shirt!

What’s your favourite dish you serve at your restaurant, Corona Trattoria?

It’s difficult to pick one. Panelle to start, then the big octopus and Cassata della mamma, for sure!

Can you share some knowledge or a fact you’ve learned during the trip?

The history of PUMA and the brand’s long relationship with my city since the ​’80s.

@oricorona