Vancouver brand wings+horns is set to release their second collaboration with one of the world’s largest sports footwear manufacturers this week.
Having collaborated in 2014 for wings+horns’ ten year mark with a rugged, weather-ready version of the 580, this time around, it’s Boston-based sneaker label New Balance that’s commemorating the 20th anniversary of the iconic trail shoe, originally developed and released in Japan in 1996.
With mutual respect for classic design, considered materials, and quality construction, the wings+horns x New Balance 580 Deconstructed has been re-engineered in a modern three-piece silhouette, made from laser-cut panels of premium leather, and finished with a signature whipstitch heel.
We spoke with Dwayne from the wings+horns marketing team to get more info on the project.
How did this collaboration come about?
The choice to work with New Balance came down to alignment. We focus on working with partners we feel are leaders in their field and have the ability to bring something unique to the table. We have a great appreciation for New Balance’s proven innovation. As it is the New Balance 580’s 20th anniversary, our team felt it would the perfect opportunity to incorporate our elevated design approach into their newly released 580 deconstructed model.
What was the inspiration behind the design?
What made this project specifically enjoyable for our team was taking the New Balance 580 deconstructed and reinterpreting it in a way that was representative of both brands. We felt the best angle to speak to our elevated perspective would be through the use of premium leathers and suede. The meaningful application of materials and drawing from our seasonal colour palette were the aspects we used to approach the model in a manner than highlighted both of our strengths.
Why New Balance?
Innovation, functionality and timeless design are at the core of both brands. Sharing these values helps make everything from the design process to the marketing roll out seamless. New Balance’s proven innovative capabilities allow us to utilize technologies such as Rollbar and RevLite. Whereas, we are able to bring the ability to experiment with premium materials and design techniques that you may not see in their inline product assortment. I think this makes working with New Balance a fairly easy conversation on both sides.
Will there be future collaborations with New Balance? Or with any other brands?
The response has been unbelievable and we have such a great working relationship that if the opportunity presented itself, I wouldn’t be surprised if we kept it going. That being said, we also have a few very exciting projects in the works so keep an eye out.
The launch party for wings+horns x New Balance 580 Deconstructed is tonight at the wings+horns Vancouver showroom. The shoes will be released on May 21 exclusively at the wings+horns showroom and online at wingsandhorns.com. Limited quantities of footwear will be available in-store at 9am PST, and online at 11am PST.
wings+horns is a contemporary menswear label integrating innovative fabrics with a Japanese approach to detail. Focused on design quality and integrity, wings+horns is inspired by the Canadian landscape, and after 10 years continues to be made in Canada.
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