STATES OF STYLE
New York streetwear tastemaker Teddy Santis releases his inaugural collection as the creative director for New Balance’s Made in USA line
The coolest kicks have always been found on the streets of New York – and you don’t have to fly to the Big Apple to get your hands (or feet) on them. Famed sneaker brand New Balance is launching its first Made in USA seasonal collection with renowned New York designer Teddy Santis as its creative director.
Regarded as one of the leading figures in today’s contemporary fashion and lifestyle landscape, Teddy’s forward-thinking yet elegant style and appreciation for New York nostalgia has resulted in a premium collection that’s bound to wind up on every trend- setter’s shopping list.
Now, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic 990 silhouette, Teddy has designed seasonal, limited- edition models of the 990v1, 990v2 and 990v3. These will be released from tomorrow as part of New Balance’s premium Made in USA collection – and there will be more new styles launching each month.
The partnership marks not only the first time New Balance has appointed a creative director for their Made in USA collection, it’s also the first time they’ve produced a broader line of American-made apparel. Alongside the new sneaks, Teddy has also designed a variety of meticulously crafted hoodies, crews, sweatpants, shorts and tees that combine his signature luxurious cool with the classic New Balance aesthetic.
Since the US sports footwear and apparel brand started manufacturing 75 years ago, it has looked to improve every aspect of its craftsmanship for performance, comfort and style. Like many good things that improve with age, the New Balance 990 has been a hit since 1982 where it began as a running shoe.
Through its various iterations the shoe has only grown in popularity, becoming a staple for both stylish fitness buffs out for their morning run, and high fashion designers ( New Balance collaborated with luxury brand Miu Miu on a version of the 574). Meanwhile, the 990 has been spotted on everyone from Timothee Chalamet to Zoe Kravitz and Danish style icon Pernille Teisbaek, all of whom will no doubt have their eye on the next version of the cult sneaker.
New Balance’s history and heritage, alongside Teddy’s appreciation for quality and reputation for creating products with a distinctive New York sensibility, has inspired his designs for the Made in USA range.
The new collection can be separated into three categories that suit a variety of moods and occasions: ‘ Elevated Legacy,’ a premium sneaker line in the classic, founding New Brand colours, ‘ Uniform Staple,’ featuring easy-to-wear hues to suit every wardrobe, and ‘Quickstrike’, for days when you just want to stand out from the crowd in innovative colours and materials. New York street- style at its best.