The fashion world is buzzing with excitement as New Balance takes a bold step beyond footwear! New Balance is now offering a Made-in-USA apparel line to complement their iconic dad sneakers. But here's the twist: it's not just any clothing line. This collection aims to match the hype of their classic sneakers, which have gained a cult following alongside Jordans and Balenciaga.
I know what you're thinking—New Balance sneakers are a dad staple, right? Well, yes, but there's more to it. While the brand's sneakers are adored by many, including myself, the apparel collection has received mixed reviews. And this is where it gets interesting: there are claims that better alternatives are being produced locally.
The initial apparel designs are simple, featuring core colors like gray, black, and cream, with a subtle red 'NB' logo. But leave it to the innovative Japanese brand Beams to spice things up! They've collaborated with New Balance to create a capsule collection inspired by two of the brand's most iconic sneaker designs.
The limited-edition collection, exclusively sold through Beams in Japan, consists of four pieces. It pays homage to the original 990 sneaker from 1982 with its distinctive gray shade and the cult-classic 1300, introduced to Japan in 1985, with its steely blue hue.
The collection includes a full-zip hoodie, a crewneck sweatshirt, sweatpants, and a t-shirt, all designed to appeal to die-hard New Balance enthusiasts. The hoodie showcases tonal gray color-blocking, reflecting the brand's minimalist aesthetic, while the crewneck draws inspiration from the Japanese market's love for the 1300.
Here's a fun fact: the 1300's steely blue color was a hit in Japan due to its resemblance to indigo blue, a shade considered lucky during the shogunate period. Now, the collection's standout piece is arguably the white t-shirt, with a vertical chart detailing the 990's history on the back.
Completing the collection are retro sweatpants reminiscent of the 90s, available in the same dark gray shade as the sweatshirts. However, there's a catch. The collection is currently only available in Japan, and even with a VPN, shipping to the US is not an option.
But fear not, fashion enthusiasts! Resale markets may soon offer a chance to own these pieces, and there's potential for the collection to expand to Beams America. So, are you team New Balance apparel or do you think local alternatives are the way to go? Let the fashion debate commence!
