ROLE : STORY/COLOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN
OTHER DESIGNERS: CORDELL JORDAN , JON GRONDIN
PRODUCT MANAGER : DAVID GIBSON & PORTIA BLUNT
APPAREL : CHAVON CHAM
DEVELOPER : DAVID FONTES , LIZ CHARPENTIER
PHOTOGRAPHY : DAPPER LOU (DAPPERLOU.COM)
574
990
The second annual Black History Month Capsule was inspired by the political and racial injustices that transpired throughout the tumultuous 2020. These events have cultivated an unexplored territory in which oppressors of BIPOC voices are willing to listen and sympathize with the oppressed.
This capsule is intended to encourage people of color to share their stories and experiences with the world. To continue the conversation of racial injustice and systematic racism.
The collection features a 574 and 990v5 which released on February, 15 2021.
Implemented, designed, and developed by a group of African-American associates at New Balance.
THE CHURCH
Black culture is heavily rooted in the Church. Whether it's your grandmother or your aunt, God's word is part of our story.
THE CHOIR
The color and material inspiration for the collection stems from the voice of the Church. The Choir.
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Purple and Gold are traditional regalia color schemes for choirs across America.
PALETTE
PRISM PURPLE
GOLD
BURGANDY
ANGORA
SUNLIGHTGREY
BLACK
BURGANDY comes from the Bible cover.
ANGORA and GOLD comes from the bible pages.
GOLD
GOLD is the pigment and finish that ties the entire collection together.
GOLD is known in the Bible as the most precious treasure. This is exactly how we want the consumer to treat their story.
PURPLE
To further elevate the collection, the idea of using purple strategically and sparingly was inspired by the historically royal process of manufacturing TYRIAN PURPLE. This process was brought to our knowledge by fellow teammate Gregston Hurdle.
574
The 574 has long held cultural significance within the black community. An affordable 2 for $89 offer made it a prime choice during "Back to School" time in the early 90s.
990
From 1980's era East coast drug dealers to Rap stars like Wale, the 990 series has long been a staple in black culture. Frist catching cultural relevance in the DMV in the late 80s.
GIVEBACK
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12,000 pairs of Kawhi signature 1 Shoes donated to Soles4Souls
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15 Scholarships funded for BTDF (the Black Talent in Design and Fashion Fund)
