We love collaborations that bring two superlative brands and their ideologies together. This fusion creates a product that neither could achieve on their own and is absolutely one-of-a-kind. Franck Muller is bringing the charm of Haute Horlogerie to one of the world’s major sports footwear and apparel manufacturers, New Balance. The contemporary everyday kick 996 undergoes a startling makeover with this collaboration that combines the signature NB design details with Franck Muller’sunique craftsmanship. The watch-like influences become evident first with the two metallic colorways of the 996 inspired by classic symbols from horology. One features plenty of silver, emphasizing the importance of metal in the world of watchmaking. The other pair comes in a gold and navy combination, looking positively stunning, not gaudy, and making complete sense of the untried, unexplored combination. The new balance 996, much like watch dials, includes oversized cursive numerals embossed into metallic leather sections of the upper and multicolored insole print to match. The clever use of navy leather with faux-croc skin texture is reminiscent of an exotic watch strap combined with signature “N” logos alternating between tonal on the lateral half and metallic on the medial side.
A new movie representing the collaboration’s theme, Creating Time for Me, is out now. It features 12 unique artists in a collage of the special moments they cherish. The Franck Muller x New Balance 996 comes with a special tote bag and is limited to 996 pairs per style. It will be released to various Japanese New Balance stockists come November 25 for approximately $210.
