New Balance is debuting a Lunar New Year collection with motifs inspired by woodland and zodiac animals. The collection comprises the New Balance 550, 574, 2002R, and the ‘9060,’ with design elements inspired by the characteristics of the rabbit — this year’s animal in the Chinese zodiac.
The ‘550’ shoe features soft leather panels stitched together with exposed markings. The sneakers boast two variations of a white, ‘Pebble Brown,’ and grey color scheme, giving them a minimalist-approved aesthetic. The company is also launching a ruby-toned variant of its original ‘574’ runners, featuring the warm ‘Pebble Brown’ tint throughout the suede body.
A pastel blue variation and a black and brown suede version are featured on a '2002R' silhouette with three distinct designs drawn from earlier editions. The collection is finished with a ‘9060’ in gray, white, and ‘Pebble Brown’ coloring.
Neutral-Toned Rabbit Sneakers
New Balance’s Previous Releases Land in its Lunar New Year Capsule
Trend Themes
1. Lunar New Year Capsule - New Balance's collection with design elements inspired by the characteristics of the rabbit presents an opportunity for other footwear companies to release seasonal collections with designs derived from zodiac animals.
2. Minimalist-approved Aesthetics - The minimalist color scheme used in New Balance's recent collection signifies that there is an opportunity for other companies to pursue designs with the same minimalist aesthetic, particularly in the apparel industry.
3. Suede Sneakers - New Balance's variety of suede sneakers with timeless design elements indicate disruptive innovation opportunities on sustainability, particularly in regard to decreasing waste in the apparel industry.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - The Lunar New Year collection presents an opportunity for other footwear companies to create limited edition collections honoring cultural events and traditions.
2. Apparel - New Balance's minimalist color scheme can pave the way for future apparel companies to pursue designs with a similar aesthetic.
3. Sustainability - New Balance's variety of suede sneakers with timeless design elements indicate disruptive innovation opportunities on sustainability, particularly in regard to decreasing waste in the apparel industry.