The brand shows one guideline of coolness.
When I looked at Mr. Takezaki's coordination, I felt that while traditional is at the core, there is a modern twist in the details as well as the use of fabrics and materials in the clothes. I wondered if this was connected to the "New Balance" concept of "learning from the past".
Takesaki:I am of the mixed generation, or rather, I am from the 90s in music, so I like rock as well as hip-hop. It's the same with clothes. Trad has a lot of rules, but it's fun to know them and mix them in various ways. I don't want to mix everything, but I want to be particular about how I mix things. I always keep that in mind. In such cases, "New Balance" shoes are a great match. They go well with casual wear, traditional wear, and of course sports wear. The wide range of styles that can be used in any field is very appealing.
The three shoes here are similar, but very different. The color is the same, gray, but even within the gray there are differences in expression. But they all have a "New Balance" feel to them, don't they?
Takesaki:That is amazing. There are various versions of the 990, each with its own originality. I don't often buy the same model, but "New Balance" is different. It's fun to compare them.
But I have a feeling that people who buy more "New Balance" shoes are not buying them to admire them, but to wear them properly.
Takesaki:That's right. You have to wear them, and I think you will notice their appeal only after wearing them. When I was in my 20s, I never felt tired at all, but in my 30s, I realized once again that wearing "New Balance" shoes makes all the difference (laughs).
In addition, functionality is also an important factor in today's fashion. We no longer live in an era where "fashion is about endurance. More and more people are placing emphasis on things like light weight, comfort, and water repellency, so we have functionality that meets these needs.
Lastly, what do you expect from New Balance in the future?
Takesaki:I hope they will continue to do so. In my mind, the brand has provided me with a guideline for what is cool. I always learn from their cool visuals as a stylist. I think that coolness comes from within. I hope that they will always maintain that.
