New Balance joins forces with END. Clothing to design the Persian Rug 997 sneaker, which takes the iconic silhouette as the base foundation. This time around, the duo take on the sneaker in a more traditional way, with a rooted 'Rumba Red' colorway that is then details with hits of cream and navy blue throughout the paneling accents.
The uppers are made from leather, mesh, and suede materials under New Balance's Made in USA branch -- this can be showcased on the tongue through embroidery. The sneaker is inspired by the nature of Persian rugs as referenced in the name of the sneaker update. There are prints of traditional Middle Eastern patterning which can also be found on the box.
Rug-Inspired Sneaker Designs
New Balance and END. Clothing Unveil the Persian Rug 997 Sneakers
Trend Themes
1. Rug-inspired Sneaker Designs - Opportunity for footwear brands to collaborate with fashion retailers and incorporate cultural influences into their sneaker designs.
2. Traditional Colorways - Potential for brands to explore more traditional color palettes in their product designs, combining classic hues with modern accents.
3. Incorporation of Cultural Patterns - Innovative opportunity for brands to incorporate traditional Middle Eastern patterning into their product designs, adding a unique and cultural touch.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - Fashion brands and retailers can create rug-inspired sneaker designs by collaborating with sneaker brands and incorporating elements of traditional Middle Eastern patterning.
2. Fashion Retail - Collaboration with footwear brands to create rug-inspired sneakers can attract consumers looking for unique and culturally influenced designs.
3. Textile Manufacturing - Opportunity for textile manufacturers to create custom patterns and fabrics inspired by Persian rugs for sneaker brands to use in their designs.