New Balance and Stone Island unceasingly push boundaries with the audacious Stone Island x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio FuelCell C_1. As two design powerhouses, they’ve summoned their profound understanding of materials and styles, propelling them into a symbiotic creation that beautifully bridges the human and the artificial.
The masterful fusion of synthetic and cotton-based fabrics seamlessly converges in a single entity, taking the shape of an avant-garde running shoe. This revolutionary concept portrays a visual narrative that extends beyond the bounds of fashion, simultaneously exploring the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and modernity.
James Lee, Lead Footwear Designer at New Balance, passionately voiced his view of this matchless collaboration, “Both brands have a dedication to innovation and craftsmanship that drives them to go against the current. The synergy between New Balance and Stone Island is reflected in the shoe.” Indeed, such a partnership, built on a shared commitment to ceaseless evolution and an unwavering connection to heritage, represents an industry landmark.
Echoing these sentiments, Silvio Rivetti, Design Director at Stone Island, emphasized the mutual respect and partnership between the brands, “Both parties have agreed to work on a new New Balance model to bring this collaboration to life.” His statement encapsulates the concerted efforts taken by both fashion leaders, as they venture to redefine the quality standards in the industry.
Notably, the Stone Island x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio FuelCell C_1 is a testament to this audacious spirit. One of the standout features is its deliberately exaggerated outsole extending beyond the heel. More than a mere aesthetic choice, this design element acts as a counterbalance to the toe-off, enhancing the overall energy return feel of the FuelCell.
Echoing the iconic Stone Island aesthetic, the inaugural colorways of the FuelCell C_1 employ a color palette and graphic pattern reminiscent of Stone Island’s 1990 camouflage. This stylistic choice serves as a nod to the brands’ shared respect for heritage, ensuring their past influences every step towards the future.
Examining the finer details, the shoe boasts a technical mesh upper skillfully intertwining synthetic and cotton. Further, it features synthetic overlays and a quick lacing system with a magnetic closure. An embossed Stone Island Compass logo on the heel pays homage to the partnership’s roots, while other co-branded elements, such as the shoe reinforcement, tongue label, and sock liner, elevate the product’s exclusivity.
A testament to technological advancement, the shoe incorporates a FuelCell insole and carbon fiber plate, promising unparalleled comfort and performance. Completing the design, the rubber outsole serves as a beacon of functionality and durability.
Available from July 28, 2023, the Stone Island x New Balance Tokyo Design Studio FuelCell C_1 symbolizes the triumphant unification of heritage and innovation. It’s a fitting tribute to the spirit of collaboration, available at selected Stone Island stores, StoneIsland.com, and NewBalance.com.
Click on this link to read this article in French version
