Introducing:
New Balance 'Made in UK' Series
Based in the borough of Allerdale in Cumbria, on the North West coast of England, Flimby is at the heart of New Balance’s ‘Made in UK’ series which looks to celebrate both the factory’s legacy and the diversity of British culture. First opened in 1982, after Jim David bought the company from founder William J Riley, the factory continues to promote the utilization of both craftsmanship and new age technologies, priding itself in being recognised for high quality results that reflect an internationally recognised ‘Made in Britain’ status.
“The reason why I wanted to come to London is because [...] it is the capital of everything” - Elgar Johnson
Celebrating the history of the ‘Made in UK’ collections, spring/summer ‘19 sees a collection of London based creatives share their ideas of what it means to be raised within the city and what impact this has had on their lives. Interviews with the likes of fashion director Elgar Johnson, designer Damien Malontie, artist Lotte Anderson and photographer Jake Hartwell take part between Soho, London and Flimby and highlight commonly shared opinions on the vibrancy of British design, style and heritage. Endlessly proud of the high level they have maintained for over thirty five years, the capsule range of footwear uses premium materials such as pigskin suede and sturdy breathable mesh to capture the perfect level of modern upgrades combined with heritage inspired aesthetics.
“Whenever someone sees a ‘Made in England’ or ‘ Made in UK’ it brings about a certain level of quality" - Damian Malontie
Arriving in celebration of the iconic 1500 silhouette, the New Balance 1500 model was originally released during the 1980’s as part of a flagship running shoe series. Once described as ‘the closest thing yet to the perfect running shoe’, the model remains an important figure within the brand’s archive and history - once favoured by U.S President Bill Clinton - and has been reimaged this season with smooth grey nubuck uppers, premium navy leather and breathable mesh inserts. Enhanced by ENCAP midsole technology, the layered aesthetic includes red accents that highlight signature embroidered branding on either tongue and heel.
Alongside this, the New Balance 1530 draws core inspiration from the 1500 model and feature an updated REVlite sole unit that equals to a 30% lighter finish compared to its predecessor. A two-part mudguard sits higher around the back of the foot whilst a selection of navy pigskin suede, blue leather and mesh make up the redesigned side panels, which are enhanced by bright red highlights that equal a bold, sophisticated finish.
Completing the three-part pack, whilst also being a part of the iconic Summer 9 series, the New Balance 991.9 combines elements from the classic 991 model with the sole of the 990 v3, this results in a slimmer silhouette with rounded lines and layered panelling. Baby pink overlays on the tongue and heel bring a playful vibe to the otherwise subdued colour palette, whilst bright white mesh underlays increase breathability. At the heart of the design, ENCAP technology is encased within the sculpted heel to provide impact support, working alongside a detailed tread pattern.
“Any factory that still exists in the UK today exists for a reason because they’re known for making the best stuff“- Jake Hartwell
With a team of experienced craftspeople proud to be a part of generations of New Balance workers, the Flimby factory offers a unique, knowledgeable service as part of an industry that has noticeably reduced in size since the mid-’80s. Proud of what they are able to achieve and their resilience through an ever-changing design sector, the team and locality continue to be an inspiration for limited editions. First established in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts New Balance experiment with modern technology and styling without forgetting their heritage, resulting in footwear that promotes and celebrates authenticity.
“Do what you do, refine it, do it well and really respecting and celebrating that, which is what we are known for" - Lotte Anderson
View all New Balance at Always in Colour.
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