Aime Leon Dore is experiencing a full circle moment with its latest New Balance 997 collection.
</br>
While you’d be forgiven for calling the New Balance 550 ALD’s most important sneaker collaboration, it was actually a lesser appreciated Made in USA 997 that kicked off countless New Balance collaborations over the past five years that at this point, have become an unmissable component of ALD’s seasonal outputs.
Accompanied by campaigns with dapper’d out old folks that paid homage to OG New Balance adverts, the 2019 ALD 997 released in two colourways, each with matching light grey bases that swapped between ‘canary yellow’ or ‘Mulberry pink’ tongues and tabs. Fans would buy two pairs of the 997, in order to wear one of each colour, following the ‘mismatched’ style from the campaign’s promotional materials.
</br>
In celebration of the brand’s five year anniversary, Aimé Leon Dore shock-dropped limited quantities of the OG New Balance 997 in pre-mismatched pairs as a way to honour its loyal following, going a step further by enlisting legendary actor Ray Winstone to deliver a message on “picking the right partner”.
Now the dust has settled from ALD’s surprise anniversary release, the brand is wasting no time in dropping a fresh FW24 New Balance capsule that’s headlined by yet another 997 colourway.
</br>
Adopting a green leather base with deep red and navy tabs, the latest ALD 997 is highlighted by the yellow pebbled leather tongue that calls back to the brand’s first ever New Balance collaboration.
The shoe will release alongside a fleshed out apparel capsule featuring sporty ALD/ NB co-branding on overcoats, quilted sweats and a fireman clasp gilet. There’s also knitted hats, scarves and formal shirts, alongside the standout all-over print fleece.
</br>
The latest Aime Leon Dore x New Balance 997 capsule releases this Friday, December 6th via ALD’s online store and physical locations.
