Last week, New Balance fans were treated to an upcoming sneaker collaboration with Teddy Santis New York-based lifestyle and streetwear brand Aimé Leon Dore, revisiting the footwear label's NB550 basketball shoe they revived from the archives late last year in four bold colourways. The ALD founder has been a major asset to New Balance's buzzing hype lately, and in what could be the biggest news this week and inarguably the whole year too, the duo has revealed the huge progression in their long-term relationship by officially appointing Santis as creative director of their New Balance Made in USA brand.
The Boston-based sportswear label's Made in the USA line holds a domestic value of 70 percent or more, and it's unquestionably a huge favourite of sneakerheads. It features staple silhouettes such as the New Balance 992, as well as the New Balance 997 which they collaborated on in 2019.
After a few series of Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance that were hosted by prominent models such as the 550, 827, 990v2, 990v5, 997, and 1300, we can only assume that Santis will be gracing more renowned New Balance trainers with his sport and fashion-forward aesthetic, while also presenting New York City's buzzing lifestyle and spirit into the brand’s image.
“I was drawn to New Balance for the way it has built a business founded on values such as integrity and authenticity, rather than passing hype,” says Santis. “I see a tremendous opportunity to tell authentic stories with real people at the forefront, creating global campaigns that connect our core values with the world.”
For now, all we know regarding Santis' new role at New Balance is that his first collection with the brand will hit select stores globally in 2022 as he mentioned via an Instagram post and an advertisement in The Sunday New York Times, but rest assured as soon as more is unveiled we’ll be the first to let you know of all New Balance release dates, news, and much more. While you're here, you might as well take a closer look at the highly-anticipated Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 550 collaboration set to drop this spring!
