In 1996 the original New Balance MT580 was developed and released in Japan. For its 20th anniversary, the iconic trail shoe has been re-engineered in a modern three-piece silhouette.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 580 series, New Balance taps Vancouver based lifestyle brand wings + horns to bring their perspective of forward thinking design, premium materials and skilled craftsmanship to the re-engineered MRT 580.
The wings+horns x New Balance 580 Deconstructed is made from laser-cut panels of premium leather, and finished with a signature whipstitch heel. True to the 580’s legacy of innovation, a Neoprene mesh sock liner is integrated with a cushioned REVlite sole for an effortless balance of comfort and breathability.
The wing+horns MRT580 will be releasing exclusively in store at Notre starting Saturday the 28th 11am CST.
In an attempt to hear first hand what went into the creation of this sneaker, we sat down with Tung Vo of wings+horns and asked him about where it all started.
What's the story or inspiration behind this New Balance release?
This year is the 20th anniversary of the 580 series, and to celebrate, New Balance introduced the next generation “re-engineered” silhouette we worked on for this project. The original MT580 was designed and developed by NB Japan as a trail model with street appeal, and they still view it as a tragic masterpiece which never received the recognition it deserved, because of the popularity of “Made in USA” models at the time.
As a Canadian brand with roots in Japan, we were excited to bring our perspective to the newest style in the 580 series. The combination of forward-thinking design, premium materials and skilled craftsmanship is something we focus on, and stays true to the MT580’s lineage as an elevated trail sneaker.
How did your partnership with NB come about?
In 2014 we collaborated with New Balance on an MT580 for our 10th anniversary, and the response was outstanding. For New Balance to ask us to be a part of the the 580’s 20th anniversary felt like a natural evolution.
Who worked on this project?
It was a collaborative effort by the wings+horns design team, and throughout the process we spent time in Boston at New Balance working on the concept, materials and execution.
What is your view of the New Balance brand? Any particular brand values that you share with New Balance?
New Balance is an iconic American brand. Their design language is rooted in function, and has evolved into style of its own. New Balance believes that a good product speaks for itself, and this is an idea at the core of our philosophy. Our partnership is driven by a mutual respect for classic design, considered materials and quality construction.
|
 |