He's back, ladies and gentlemen. Joe Freshgoods returns to New Balance for his fifth collaboration, the "Beneath the Surface" pack (yes, pack as in more than one shoe).
The Chicago designer teased his return about a week ago via Instagram stories. Now, first looks at his latest NB collab are here.
On March 20, Joe Freshgoods revealed collaborative 610 sneakers (in two colorways) and Rainer boots as part of the partnership's Spring 2023 collection, per the designer (is he trying to tell us there's more???).
In addition to coatings of earthy hues (orange, khaki green, beige, brown), the latest footwear delivery also boasts unique camouflage pattern designed by the Chicago designer.
The pattern naturally takes over the mesh underlays on the 610s and the nylon moments on the Rainer boot. But if you look closely, you'll notice the JFG camo is also embroidered on the sneakers' suede paneling.
The designer was right: it is his most detailed shoe to date.
Dual-branding is subtle but present nonetheless. A "JFG" takes over the New Balance 610's triangular tongue badge, while a collaborative graphic appears over the Rainer boot's tag.
From the looks of it, the signature builds of both silhouettes remain. Fans can still count on the New Balance 610's suede and mesh upper and the Rainer boots' Vibram sole (though a GORE-TEX badge on JFG's pair indicates the usage of the waterproof technology).
At the end of his Instagram post, Joe Freshgoods typed "April," hinting at next month for the release of his collaborative New Balance 610 and Rainer boots.
Naturally, the designer doesn't leave us without some apparel options, including short-sleeve shirt and trousers coordinates, outerwear, headwear, cargo pants, and fleece zip-ups — rendered in collection's camo print and JFG's Black Panther graphic.
There's also a tee amongst the mix, which boasts the Chicago designer's spin on Lil Wayne's iconic BAPE 'fit.
Joe Freshgoods' projects rarely come without a compelling narrative regarding Black culture, evident with drops like the "Outside Clothes" 990v3s and "Inside Voices" 9060s. And it seems his fifth linkup — which included the legendary musician Twista in the campaign — will follow the same formula with nature vibes in place.
Fans can currently enter a raffle on Joe Freshgoods' website for the collaborative 610 sneakers and Rainer boots (winners will be announced on Friday, April 21). And if you're in the Chicago area, you're welcome to enter the in-store raffle at his Every Now and Then space.
The Joe Freshgoods x New Balance collection is set land in-store at Every Now and Then on April 21, followed by an online launch on the designer's web-store on April 22.
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