New Balance Taps Japanese Fashion Director And Stylist Akio Hasegawa For The 1906R’s Debut

Back in 2020, New Balance ushered in the return of the 2002. And now, two years thereafter, the brand is giving the 1906 the very same treatment, replacing the 2009 shoe’s sole with that of the 860v2. And alongside a collaborative offering with thisisneverthat, the silhouette will soon release in a number of inline colorways, the first of which are scheduled to hit Asia later this August.

Comprised of breathable mesh inserts, synthetic panels, and premium nubuck accents, the silhouette celebrates the iconic look of 2000s runners. This is further amplified with its silver-dominant make-up, which pays homage to one of the 1906’s original colorways. The OG 2002 is honored as well, with its deep greys and navy blue accents translating well to the more intricate upper.

To better commemorate the release of the 1906R, New Balance has teamed up with renowned stylist and fashion director Akio Hasegawa, who has created a series of visuals based on the theme of “Past” and “Future.” In addition, the brand caught Hasegawa’s thoughts on the shoe itself and the inspiration behind his work. You can find the full conversation down below.

Both of the above-mentioned styles of the 1906R are scheduled to release on August 19th in China and August 12th in the rest of Asia.

What are your impressions of the new 1906R shoe?

The 1906R is such an amazing looking shoe that stands out with its different look and colourways. Once I laced up the shoe and viewed it from its side, I fell in love with it as the toe box profile was reminiscent of my favourite model, the 990v5. The original 1906 colourway exudes a sense of a classic performance running shoe. With the classic running trend becoming more popular, I feel that the 1906R is a perfect silhouette to be styled with for consumers.

Please explain your creative vision, concept and styling for the 1906R photoshoot?

The original 1906 model was released in 2009 and I imagined a concept of how things were at that time. The late 90’s and early 2000’s was a time when many pursued expectations for the future and longed for the latest technology. It was an era of technological shifts juxtaposed with the physical state of its surroundings, like buildings, and the bricks and materials that it was constructed from. My concept for the Past was a collage of buildings and surfaces from that era which also is a tribute to the building blocks of the New Balance brand which was founded in the year 1906. For the Future concept which features the grey shoe, I decided to strip down all the extra elements to let the shoe itself be the decisive factor and allow it to grow on people.

How do you feel the 1906R fits into current fashion and style for the consumer today?

In an era of liberation from business suits and leather shoes, a more modern and comfortable fashion style is circulating around the world. My feeling for the original 1906R colour is that it can be coordinated through a more fashionable styling lens, while the grey 1906R can be paired casually in a more nuanced manner akin to sportswear style. In that sense, my thoughts are that the 1906R is a great shoe that fits any style.