Continuing the recent run of solid NB990 releases, the ARIES x NEW BALANCE 990v3 advances the procession in grand style. This super-limited edition of the 990 launches exclusively at the Planet Aries pop-up store: a two-storey Aries concept space created in alliance with the renowned team from Slam Jam. Read more about the store and all the exclusive items on offer here. As a precursor to the launch, we were invited to preview the shoe in all its glory…
For those who’ve been sleeping, Aries represents the cream of London’s independent fashion labels, offering a unique blend of high-end womenswear and streetwear. Founded by Sofia Prantera and Fergus Purcell (AKA Fergadelic – the graphics mastermind behind such icons as the Palace logo), some may remember them as integral members of the mid-’90s Slam City Skates crew, creating legendary projects as Holmes and Silas. Aries is their latest endeavour and has found an army of fans across the globe, with good reason. A homegrown brand linking up with New Balance for this surprise collaboration is a perfect equation.
Raising expectations when it first dropped back in 1982, the New Balance 990 was the first running shoe to hit the $100 price point – a considerable investment for any athlete back in the early ’80s. But as the most technical running design on the market at that time, this was money well spent. Fast-forward to 2018 and the 990 has far from faded into the obsolete footwear archives. It remains to be one of the more refined trainer designs, often seen in muted tonal colourways, but for this drop, the Aries crew have spiced things up without losing any of the original design’s appeal. Tasteful dashes of teal blue are contrasted with bright yellow and red detailing across the collar of the shoe. The white ENCAP midsole sits underneath, adding a clean foundation for all the exciting stuff up top. Limited to a run of just 75 pairs, this is definitely one release to set your alarm for.
The ARIES x NEW BALANCE 990v3 dropped in-store yesterday, but there will be a limited number of pairs hitting the Aries site on FRIDAY 18 MAY at 10pm: click the banner below and try your luck! If you’re in town anytime soon, then you can visit the PLANET ARIES pop-up store, which is open until FRIDAY 8 JUNE at 20-21 Floral Street, London WC2E 9DS.