Salehe Bembury and New Balance reunite for “Water Be The Guide‚” a follow-up to their successful “Peace Be The Journey” collaboration. This release marks a thematic shift from desert landscapes to water-inspired designs‚ celebrating nature’s beauty and the essence of fluidity. The partnership blends Bembury’s creative vision with New Balance’s timeless craftsmanship‚ resulting in a unique sneaker that tells a story of natural inspiration and modern design.
1.1 Overview of Salehe Bembury and New Balance Partnership
Salehe Bembury‚ a renowned footwear designer and VP of Sneakers and Men’s Footwear at Versace‚ teamed up with New Balance for their “Water Be The Guide” collaboration. This partnership marks their second successful joint project‚ following the well-received “Peace Be The Journey.” The collection draws inspiration from Bembury’s trip to Arizona’s Havasu Falls‚ symbolizing the beauty of water and its life-giving properties. The design blends natural elements with modern aesthetics‚ featuring materials like hairy suede‚ leather‚ and mesh. Actor Jesse Williams stars in the campaign‚ showcasing the shoes’ unique style. Released on June 24th at select stockists and globally on June 25th‚ this collaboration highlights their shared vision of outdoor-inspired urban fashion‚ further solidifying New Balance’s position in the sneaker market.
1.2 The Concept Behind “Water Be The Guide”
The “Water Be The Guide” concept‚ inspired by Salehe Bembury’s visit to Arizona’s Havasu Falls‚ embodies the serene beauty and life-giving essence of water. The design reflects the natural world’s fluidity‚ with a deep teal color palette symbolizing the falls’ cool‚ cascading waters. This theme contrasts yet complements the previous “Peace Be The Journey” collection‚ which focused on desert landscapes. By shifting from earthy tones to aquatic hues‚ Bembury explores the harmony between natural elements and urban fashion‚ creating a sneakers line that not only celebrates nature but also evokes a sense of movement and balance.
Design Inspiration
The “Water Be The Guide” collection draws inspiration from nature‚ particularly Havasu Falls‚ blending deep teal hues and fluid designs to reflect water’s calming essence.
2.1 Havasu Falls as the Key Inspiration
Havasu Falls‚ located in Arizona’s Grand Canyon‚ served as the primary muse for the “Water Be The Guide” collection. Its turquoise waters and lush surroundings inspired a palette of deep blues and teals‚ reflecting the natural beauty of the falls. The design captures the contrast between the cool tones of the water and the warm hues of the surrounding landscape‚ creating a visually striking sneaker. This inspiration marks a shift from Bembury’s previous desert-themed designs‚ emphasizing the fluidity and tranquility associated with water. The result is a sneaker that embodies both the serenity of Havasu Falls and Bembury’s creative vision.
2.2 Transition from Desert to Water Themes
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration marks a deliberate shift from Salehe Bembury’s previous desert-inspired designs to a water-themed aesthetic. While the inaugural “Peace Be The Journey” collection drew inspiration from Arizona’s arid landscapes‚ this new release emphasizes fluidity and the natural beauty of water. Havasu Falls‚ with its turquoise cascades and lush surroundings‚ serves as the visual and philosophical anchor for this transition. The move from desert to water reflects Bembury’s exploration of contrasting natural elements‚ symbolizing adaptability and the serene power of water in shaping landscapes.
2.3 Salehe Bembury’s Vision for the Design
Salehe Bembury’s vision for “Water Be The Guide” centered on capturing the serene beauty of water and its transformative power. Drawing inspiration from Havasu Falls‚ Bembury aimed to reflect the contrast between cool‚ calming tones and vibrant natural elements. The design seamlessly blends earthly materials like hairy suede‚ leather‚ and mesh‚ creating a harmonious balance between texture and color. Bembury’s creative direction emphasizes storytelling through design‚ translating the organic elegance of water into wearable art. This vision not only pays homage to nature but also highlights the importance of fluidity and adaptability in modern design.
Shoe Design and Features
The “Water Be The Guide” sneaker features a teal-inspired color palette‚ hairy suede overlays‚ and suede details‚ blending style with comfort and durability in its design.
3.1 Color Palette and Material Composition
The “Water Be The Guide” sneaker boasts a vivid color palette inspired by Havasu Falls‚ featuring deep teal hues with contrasting pink open mesh underlays. The upper is crafted from a combination of hairy suede‚ premium leather‚ and breathable mesh‚ offering a blend of texture and comfort. The teal hairy suede overlays provide a luxurious feel‚ while the leather accents add durability. This thoughtful material composition ensures both style and functionality‚ making the shoe a standout in design and wearability.
3.2 Unique Details: Shearling N Logo and Suede Overlays
The “Water Be The Guide” sneaker features a standout shearling N logo‚ adding a luxurious touch and contrasting beautifully with the deep teal hairy suede overlays. The overlays‚ with their shaggy texture‚ evoke the lush surroundings of Havasu Falls‚ while the shearling detail provides a soft‚ premium aesthetic. These elements create a striking visual contrast‚ blending functionality with high-end design. The combination of these unique details enhances the shoe’s visual appeal and reinforces the collaboration’s thematic focus on water and natural beauty.
3.3 Combination of 2002 Upper with 860v2 Sole
The “Water Be The Guide” sneaker seamlessly combines the iconic 2002 upper with the robust 860v2 sole‚ creating a perfect balance of style and functionality. The 2002 upper‚ featuring hairy suede and mesh‚ offers a sleek‚ lightweight design‚ while the 860v2 sole provides enhanced cushioning and durability. This fusion ensures comfort for everyday wear while maintaining the shoe’s aesthetic appeal. The blend of retro and modern elements makes this design versatile‚ appealing to both sneaker enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. This combination underscores the collaboration’s commitment to innovative design and timeless comfort.
Materials and Construction
The shoe features a blend of hairy suede‚ leather‚ and breathable mesh‚ ensuring durability and comfort while maintaining a sleek‚ water-inspired aesthetic.
4.1 Use of Hairy Suede‚ Leather‚ and Mesh
The “Water Be The Guide” sneaker combines hairy suede‚ leather‚ and mesh for a balanced mix of texture and breathability. The hairy suede overlays provide a premium feel‚ while the leather accents add durability. Mesh underlays ensure airflow‚ making the shoe comfortable for everyday wear. This material composition not only enhances the sneaker’s aesthetic appeal but also ensures it remains lightweight and versatile‚ aligning with Salehe Bembury’s vision of blending style with functionality.
4.2 Comfort and Durability Features
The “Water Be The Guide” sneaker prioritizes comfort and durability through its thoughtful construction. The 860v2 sole unit provides excellent cushioning and traction‚ ensuring a smooth wear experience. Breathability is enhanced by the open mesh underlays‚ while the hairy suede and leather components add structural integrity. The combination of these materials creates a shoe that is both sturdy and lightweight‚ designed to withstand daily use while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. This balance of comfort and durability makes it a versatile option for both casual and outdoor settings.
4.3 Sustainable Material Choices
The “Water Be The Guide” sneaker incorporates eco-conscious materials‚ aligning with modern sustainability efforts. The use of hairy suede‚ leather‚ and mesh ensures durability while minimizing environmental impact. New Balance and Salehe Bembury prioritized responsible sourcing of materials‚ reflecting a commitment to ethical production. The combination of natural and synthetic components balances performance and sustainability‚ making the shoe a forward-thinking option for environmentally aware consumers. This approach underscores the collaboration’s dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship‚ setting a positive precedent for future designs.
Campaign and Marketing
The campaign for “Water Be The Guide” features Jesse Williams‚ showcasing the shoe’s design through official images and a compelling video. Social media buzz and pre-launch hype built anticipation‚ engaging sneaker enthusiasts worldwide with creative visuals and storytelling.
5.1 Jesse Williams as the Face of the Campaign
Actor Jesse Williams was chosen as the face of the “Water Be The Guide” campaign‚ bringing a fresh and dynamic presence to the collaboration. Premiering the campaign video on Instagram‚ Williams showcased the shoe’s design and inspiration‚ capturing the essence of the water-themed collection. His involvement added a touch of Hollywood glamour‚ aligning with Salehe Bembury’s vision of blending culture and nature. The campaign’s creative direction‚ featuring Williams‚ resonated with sneaker enthusiasts‚ further amplifying the collaboration’s appeal and fostering a strong emotional connection with the audience.
5.2 Official Images and Video Release
New Balance unveiled official images and a campaign video for the “Water Be The Guide” collaboration‚ showcasing the shoe’s design and inspiration. The visuals highlighted the blue hairy suede overlays and shearling N logo‚ emphasizing the natural beauty of Havasu Falls. Released through New Balance’s official channels‚ the campaign provided a detailed look at the shoe’s construction and design elements. The video‚ premiered on social media‚ offered a narrative that aligned with the water-inspired theme‚ building anticipation and excitement among sneaker enthusiasts before the official launch on June 25‚ 2021.
5.3 Social Media and Pre-Launch Hype
Social media played a crucial role in building anticipation for the “Water Be The Guide” release. Salehe Bembury and New Balance utilized platforms like Instagram to tease the collaboration‚ sharing behind-the-scenes content and sneak peeks. Highsnobiety’s app and website featured exclusive details‚ while sneaker communities on Reddit buzzed with excitement. The campaign’s visual narrative‚ showcasing Havasu Falls’ inspiration‚ further fueled interest. Fans eagerly awaited updates‚ creating a strong pre-launch hype that highlighted the collaboration’s uniqueness and cultural relevance. This strategic use of social media ensured the release remained a focal point in sneaker culture discussions.
Release Information
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration launched on June 24‚ 2021‚ via beaspunge.com‚ followed by a global release on June 25 through select New Balance stockists.
6.1 Initial Release Date and Platform
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration debuted on June 24‚ 2021‚ exclusively through beaspunge.com at 10 a.m. PST. This early access was a strategic move to create buzz and reward loyal fans. The limited online release ensured a controlled distribution‚ allowing enthusiasts to secure their pairs before the wider launch. This platform choice highlighted New Balance’s commitment to engaging with its digital audience while maintaining exclusivity.
6.2 Global Launch and Stockist Details
Following the exclusive early release‚ the “Water Be The Guide” sneakers launched globally on June 25‚ 2021. They were available through New Balance’s official website and select stockists worldwide‚ including SSENSE and other premium retailers. This widespread distribution ensured accessibility while maintaining the collaboration’s exclusivity. Fans could also locate authorized retailers via New Balance’s “Where to Buy” guide‚ enhancing the shopping experience. The global launch strategy effectively balanced availability with scarcity‚ fostering excitement across international markets and reinforcing the collaboration’s hype. This approach solidified the sneaker’s desirability and reach‚ catering to both local and global audiences seamlessly.
6.3 Where to Buy Guide and SF Profile Significance
New Balance provided a detailed “Where to Buy” guide to help consumers locate authorized retailers stocking the “Water Be The Guide” sneakers. This guide was curated before the release to ensure fans could seamlessly find stockists. Additionally‚ creating an SNKRS (SF) Profile was crucial for receiving real-time updates and notifications about the drop. This system helped enthusiasts stay informed and increased their chances of securing a pair. The guide and SF Profile were integral to the launch‚ ensuring accessibility and fostering engagement within the sneaker community. They played a key role in managing hype and demand effectively.
Market Reception
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration received widespread acclaim‚ praised for its unique design and inspiration. Fans and critics alike celebrated its fresh take on outdoor themes.
7.1 Initial Reactions and Reviews
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration was met with enthusiastic reception‚ praised for its striking design and thematic depth. Sneaker enthusiasts and critics alike celebrated the shoe’s vibrant colorway‚ inspired by Havasu Falls‚ and its unique blend of materials. The campaign‚ featuring Jesse Williams‚ further amplified the hype‚ with many calling it one of the best releases of the year. Fans highlighted the shoe’s ability to balance bold aesthetics with wearability‚ making it a standout piece in both streetwear and outdoor-inspired fashion. The sneaker’s emotional connection to nature resonated deeply‚ solidifying its place as a modern classic.
7.2 Comparison with Previous Collaborations
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration surpasses its predecessor‚ “Peace Be The Journey‚” in both design complexity and thematic depth. While the first release focused on desert landscapes‚ this iteration masterfully transitions to water-inspired aesthetics‚ offering a fresh yet cohesive narrative. The vibrant blue and teal hues‚ alongside the hairy suede and mesh materials‚ create a more dynamic visual appeal. Critics note that Bembury’s vision has evolved‚ with this release showcasing a more refined balance between bold design and wearability. Fans and reviewers agree that this collaboration represents a significant step forward‚ solidifying Bembury’s status as a leading voice in sneaker design.
7.3 Impact on New Balance’s Market Position
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration has significantly elevated New Balance’s market position‚ reinforcing its reputation as a leader in footwear collaborations. The partnership with Salehe Bembury has attracted a broader audience‚ blending streetwear appeal with outdoor-inspired aesthetics. The release has been praised for its bold design and premium materials‚ resonating with sneaker enthusiasts and casual buyers alike. This collaboration underscores New Balance’s ability to adapt to current trends while maintaining its heritage‚ further solidifying its presence in the competitive sneaker market and aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and culturally relevant footwear.
Cultural and Fashion Impact
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration has resonated deeply in sneaker culture‚ blending outdoor inspiration with streetwear aesthetics‚ while influencing fashion trends through its unique design and storytelling.
8.1 Influence on Sneaker Culture
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration has made a significant impact on sneaker culture by blending outdoor inspiration with streetwear aesthetics. Its unique design‚ inspired by Havasu Falls‚ has resonated with sneaker enthusiasts‚ showcasing how nature can influence footwear. The use of bold‚ water-inspired colors and premium materials like hairy suede and leather has set a new standard for design storytelling. This release has also highlighted the growing trend of incorporating natural themes into urban fashion‚ further solidifying its place as a cultural milestone in the sneaker community.
8.2 Integration into Streetwear and Fashion Trends
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration seamlessly integrates into contemporary streetwear and fashion trends by blending outdoor inspiration with urban aesthetics. Its bold‚ water-inspired color palette and premium materials like hairy suede and leather have made it a standout in modern wardrobes. The sneaker’s unique design‚ featuring shearling accents and mesh underlays‚ aligns with the growing trend of incorporating natural elements into streetwear. This release has also influenced fashion trends by showcasing how fluid‚ water-inspired hues can complement both casual and dressed-up looks‚ further cementing its relevance in today’s fashion landscape.
8.3 Role in Promoting Outdoor Inspiration in Fashion
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration has played a significant role in promoting outdoor inspiration in fashion by translating natural elements into wearable art. Drawing from the beauty of Havasu Falls‚ the sneaker’s design reflects the interplay of water and earth‚ encouraging a deeper connection to nature. Its use of water-inspired hues and textured materials has influenced fashion trends‚ showcasing how outdoor motifs can seamlessly transition into urban wardrobes. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of nature as a creative muse in fashion‚ inspiring designers to incorporate environmental themes into their work while maintaining modern aesthetics.
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration successfully blends nature’s beauty with modern design‚ leaving a lasting impact on sneaker culture and inspiring future outdoor-inspired fashion efforts.
9.1 Final Thoughts on the Collaboration
The “Water Be The Guide” collaboration is a testament to Salehe Bembury’s ability to merge nature’s beauty with footwear design. Inspired by Havasu Falls‚ the shoe’s design reflects the serene yet powerful essence of water. With its unique color palette and premium materials‚ this release has resonated deeply with sneaker enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike. The partnership between Bembury and New Balance continues to push boundaries‚ proving that footwear can be both a functional product and a work of art. This collaboration leaves a lasting legacy in the world of sneaker culture and design.
9.2 Future of Salehe Bembury and New Balance Collaborations
The success of “Water Be The Guide” solidifies Salehe Bembury and New Balance’s partnership as one of the most exciting in sneaker culture. With their shared passion for storytelling through design‚ future collaborations are likely to explore new natural themes and innovative materials. Bembury’s ability to blend outdoor inspiration with modern aesthetics aligns perfectly with New Balance’s commitment to quality and creativity. Fans can expect more boundary-pushing designs that continue to celebrate nature and individuality‚ further cementing their legacy in the footwear industry.
9.3 Legacy of the “Water Be The Guide” Design
The “Water Be The Guide” design has left an indelible mark on sneaker culture‚ blending natural inspiration with modern aesthetics. Its unique color palette and materials‚ such as hairy suede and shearling‚ have set a new standard for outdoor-inspired footwear. The collaboration’s emphasis on storytelling and emotional connection has resonated deeply with sneaker enthusiasts‚ ensuring its place in the legacy of both Salehe Bembury and New Balance. This design not only reflects a creative vision but also highlights the importance of nature and individuality‚ inspiring future trends in footwear and fashion.