In a world where luxury meets streetwear, the new collaboration between sneaker powerhouse New Balance and Italian luxury brand Loro Piana is making waves. At first glance, the design may seem familiar—the iconic New Balance 990 silhouette, a staple since the 1980s, makes its return in this release. However, it’s the extraordinary materials and craftsmanship that set this collaboration apart.
The new Loro Piana x New Balance sneakers feature a grey chestnut nubuck upper that perfectly embodies Loro Piana’s “quiet luxury” aesthetic. Known for their commitment to high-end textiles, Loro Piana has infused the shoe with their signature touches, including cashmere and wool linings, high-quality laces, and subtle branding that complements the overall understated design. The result is a harmonious blend of comfort, performance, and refined luxury—a true testament to the growing trend of luxury-meets-streetwear partnerships, as seen during last month’s Olympics.
This collaboration could mark the beginning of an ongoing partnership between the two brands. For New Balance, it offers an opportunity to justify premium pricing while incorporating Loro Piana’s artisanal techniques into their athletic silhouettes. Meanwhile, Loro Piana stands to benefit from aligning with a trendy sneaker brand, enhancing its contemporary image and expanding into performance-oriented luxury products.
Limited to just 1,000 pairs, this exclusive release will be available at select retailers starting September 5th, with a reported price tag of $1,500. For sneakerheads and luxury aficionados alike, this collaboration represents the perfect fusion of style and substance, where high-end craftsmanship meets everyday wearability.
Loro Piana, a name synonymous with luxury, has a storied history that dates back to the early 1800s in Trivero, a small town in northern Italy. Originally established as a wool trading family, the Loro Piana legacy began with a deep-rooted expertise in sourcing and handling the finest wool. In 1924, Pietro Loro Piana founded Ing. Loro Piana & C., laying the foundation for what would become a global powerhouse in the luxury textile industry.
The company’s transformation truly began in 1941 when Franco Loro Piana, Pietro’s nephew, took the helm. Post-World War II, Franco spearheaded the firm’s growth, establishing its reputation as a premier supplier of wool and cashmere to the burgeoning haute couture industry, both in Italy and internationally.
The 1970s marked a new era for Loro Piana under the leadership of Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana. They expanded the company’s horizons by diversifying into luxury goods and developing a robust international retail arm. Today, Loro Piana stands as the world’s leading processor of cashmere, renowned for sourcing the finest and rarest raw materials on the planet. These include unique cashmere from baby goats in northern China and Mongolia, vicuña from the Andes, extra-fine Merino wool from Australia and New Zealand, and the delicate lotus flower fiber from Myanmar.
Loro Piana’s commitment to quality is unwavering, combining time-honored traditions with cutting-edge technology to produce garments and accessories that are unmatched in craftsmanship and sartorial excellence. Every piece in their collection is made in Italy, reflecting the brand’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Now owned by luxury conglomerate LVMH, Loro Piana continues to be a symbol of unparalleled luxury, drawing on its rich heritage while embracing the innovations of the future. For discerning customers around the world, Loro Piana represents the pinnacle of luxury, offering products that are as timeless as they are exquisite.
