Sometimes the sequel can be even more exciting than the original. Very recently, the Parisian clothing brand Casablanca revealed its third sneaker collaboration with athletic footwear brand New Balance. The previous partnership between the two companies produced a highly successful update of New Balance’s existing 327 silhouette. These new sneakers are of a completely fresh design. Dubbed the XC-72, the angular new style was inspired by luxury automotive design, and takes its cues from the exotic cars you might see on the winding roads of Monaco.
As the “sports car for your feet,” the sleek design of the XC-72 sits on top of a unique split sole unit with three separate outsole tread patterns. The kicks will be available in two distinct colour combinations. An orange and green style is a reference to one of the pairs in the first collaboration, while a red and yellow version offers a high-contrast ode to the world’s most exciting supercars. At a glance, this style’s black outsole is reminiscent of racing tyres.
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“From when we first started working on the collaboration, we dubbed it the ‘sports car for your feet,’” said Casablanca’s creative director Charaf Tajer and art director Steve Grimes in a joint statement. “It evokes that feeling of when you first saw a luxury car as a child, you knew it was a car, but it was different to any car you’d seen before. It’s a feeling, a sense of wonder, designed to perform, designed to be special.”
Sneaker collectors would be absolutely thrilled to know that the XC-72 will retail for US$150 (about RM636), and you will be able to buy them starting on 27 August on Casablanca’s website and New Balance. The shoes will also be available at select global retailers starting 28 August.
Previously published on Robb Report.
