When Japanese brand Frapbois collaborated with New Balance to create an athletic shoe, the result was quite cutesy and surprising.
Covered in dots, a combination of black with white dots and white with black dots, the Fraqbois and New Balance kicks remind me of the 1950s and swing dancing and that whole bygone era.
Retailing for about $155 U.S., the Fraqbois and New Balance kicks are a fun alternative to the typical runner.
Implications - Stylistically, they offer the color and action that most New Balance kicks eschew. And that is exactly why partnership's like this are so beneficial for major corporations. New Balance keeps their top athletic shoe aesthetic and matches it with Japanese streetwear swag. It's a match made in heaven.
Swing Dancing Kicks
Fraqbois and New Balance Team Up for 50s-Style Sneakers
Trend Themes
1. Retro-inspired Footwear - Collaborations between major athletic shoe companies and fashion brands are creating sneakers that combine classic nostalgia with modern style.
2. Streetwear-athletic Hybrids - Partnerships between traditional athletic footwear brands and edgy streetwear companies are producing unique and trendy sneakers coveted by sneakerheads and casual wearers alike.
3. Bold Sneaker Prints - Sneakers with eye-catching patterns and prints are becoming more popular, giving sneaker enthusiasts a chance to express their individuality through their footwear.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - The footwear industry can benefit from collaborations between major athletic shoe companies and edgy fashion brands to produce unique and trendy sneakers that appeal to both athletes and casual wearers.
2. Fashion - Fashion companies can collaborate with traditional athletic footwear brands to create streetwear-athletic hybrid sneakers that offer a fresh take on both fashion and athletic wear.
3. Sporting Goods - Traditional athletic footwear brands can expand their customer base and appeal to more fashion-conscious consumers through collaborations that produce retro-inspired and boldly-printed sneakers.