June Ambrose, Puma’s Creative Force in Basketball, to Bid Farewell as Contract Concludes

June Ambrose, the celebrated creative director of basketball at Puma, is set to leave the sportswear giant as her three-year contract, initiated in 2020, comes to an end by late 2023. Ambrose took to Instagram to announce her departure, expressing her appreciation for the journey with Puma and the global recognition of her work. She hinted at an exciting and impactful next chapter, promising that her creative journey, referred to as ‘The Juniverse’, will continue to expand.

Ambrose’s influence at Puma has been remarkable, especially in introducing female-centric designs and collaborative collections that effortlessly blend performance, fashion, and practicality. Her background in styling and costume design was instrumental in Puma’s dynamic return to New York Fashion Week in September 2022, where she showcased innovative pairings like tuxedo jackets with jogging pants, and hoodies with ball gown skirts, unified by padded parkas.

Her time at Puma coincided with the rise of the athleisure trend, which blurred the lines between sportswear and everyday attire. Ambrose played a key role in this cultural shift, especially with the launch of Puma’s first basketball collection in 2021. In launching this collection, she drew inspiration from celebrating the multifaceted lives of female basketball players, highlighting their roles off the court as well as their athletic achievements.

Ambrose’s departure marks the end of a significant era for Puma, where her vision and creativity helped redefine the brand’s approach to basketball fashion and beyond.