Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty Resurrects Iconic Style with Daring Flair

By Dennis Lambert

Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty is making a triumphant comeback, reimagined to captivate sneaker enthusiasts once again. This revitalized design, conceptualized by Rihanna herself, takes the classic Creeper into a new realm of boldness and audacity.

Originally launched in September 2015, the initial Creeper, a platformed variation of Puma’s timeless suede sneaker, brought about a revolution in sneaker culture. Its impact was so profound that it earned the title of “Shoe of the Year” by Footwear News in 2016, highlighting its significance in shaping Puma’s brand narrative over the past decade. The Creeper’s distinctive silhouette transcended mere fashion; it became an emblem of an era characterized by bold and unapologetic style.

The Creeper Phatty, a testament to Rihanna’s visionary role as Puma’s Creative Director, carries this legacy forward. Enveloped in luxurious suede, the sneaker features a padded and embossed formstrip, an embossed Fenty logo at the tongue, and laces adorned with gold aglets. However, its defining feature is the stacked gum sole, which not only elevates the shoe literally but also figuratively. The Creeper Phatty is offered in three captivating colorways: classic black and white, a vibrant blue and green, and a striking lavender and cherry red.

Rihanna’s approach to designing the Creeper Phatty aimed to reimagine the beloved original. “We took our OG Creeper and made it bigger and badder,” she explained. Her goal was not just to revive the Creeper but to elevate it in a culturally resonant manner. This ambition is evident in the design of the Creeper Phatty, preserving the classic silhouette while introducing new, bold elements.

Puma’s Chief Product Officer, Maria Valdes, shared the excitement surrounding the Creeper’s return. “The original Creeper changed the game for us,” said Valdes. “We knew it was time to bring it back. This shoe has universal appeal, and we’ve seen tremendous consumer excitement for the silhouette’s return. We are thrilled to not only build on the existing silhouette with the Creeper Phatty but also expand our offering for the entire family.”