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Fashion and streetwear alike’s favorite sneaker designer Salehe Bembury continues to bring his energetic, idiosyncratic design sensibilities to classic New Balance silhouettes with the upcoming release of the 574 YURT sneaker and apparel collection for men & women.
Having worked for both Yeezy and Versace in recent years, Bembury's experiences and inspirations are no doubt vast and varied. For his latest designs though, his recent discovery of the meditative powers that accessing outdoor spaces can bring has taken on a starring role—whether with his own new label, Spunge, or in collaborative efforts with brands like New Balance, Crocs, and beyond.
In 2020 colorway and material updates by the designer of the New Balance 2002R proved the first to receive his outdoor-inspired design approach. The new 574 YURT ($150) expands upon that platform onto the next level. Included in the release of the sneaker is also a line of apparel that too finds design inspiration from the Bembury’s outdoor recreation experiences.
If you’re already familiar with the New Balance 574 sneaker, then you’ll likely be quick to recognize that the YURT rendition hardly resembles the sneaker that’s available on mall shelves across the world. Elements from the shoe have been pulled by Bembury from different models across New Balance’s catalog, but the most notable touch is found on the heel of each shoe–a fully functional whistle to be used in the event of emergencies (or to assemble a super crew of cool outdoorsits, as in the case of the below linked campaign film).
Each of the five colorways in the 574 YURT find inspiration from natural palettes observed by the designer. We’re partial to the tri-color combination of navy, burgundy, and olive that reminds us of retro hiking sneakers that have been revived by a number of brands in recent years.
The apparel portion of the release complements the sneakers by providing a head-to-toe look with caps, tees, jackets, and pants. Bembury’s signature fingerprint graphic finds its way into several pieces, as does an organic YURT logo.
The mantra and title of his freshman collaboration with New Balance “Peace Be The Journey” graces several pieces in prominent locations as to spread the good word finding value in one’s travels.
The New Balance x Salehe Bembury collection will be available exclusively online 16 October from beaspunge.com (join their email list to gain access), so set your reminders now and prepare to wait in a virtual shopping queue. Then get outside and enjoy some trails with friends immediately after.
Published 10-08-2021
