Ronnie Fieg has revealed that his next New Balance collaboration will involve one of the most legendary architects of all-time. And instead of taking inspiration from one of his many iconic buildings, the collab will nod to a radical idea from him that never came to life.
In celebration of the 998’s 35th anniversary, Fieg has tapped the Frank Lloyd Wright foundation for a sneaker inspired by the late architect’s Broadacre City concept. Throughout his lifetime, Wright proposed and refined the idea of a development in which families were provided one acre of land with which to build a home and farm. The goal was to provide an alternative to cities and reimagine the suburbs as more of a utopian community. The genesis of the concept came during Great Depression, and Wright saw Broadacre City as a way to address social, economic, and environmental issues.
For the 998 “Broadacre City,” Fieg has decorated the sneaker in an array of natural hues not unlike what the development would look like from above. Premium suede paneling utilizes orange, green, cream, and wheat as part of an autumnal arrangement. Two sets of multi-colored laces are an option in addition to a more standard set in off-white.
Fieg’s New Balance 998 “Broadacre City” will drop in a three-part rollout, first becoming available April 14th at KITH Tokyo. The next release will be April 15 at an onsite experience from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona, followed by a wider release April 17 through KITH’s website and the rest of its shops. Download the DROPS by SoleSavy app to stay informed on all the latest sneaker releases.
