Matt Varga Stone Island and New Balance each stand as truly totemic fashion labels in the UK. It was only a matter of time before the two met in a formal capacity, and since beginning a collaborative relationship, product has come fast and furious. Just a matter of months after New Balance XC72 x END Art of Nothing Angora Marblehead Gum, New Balance 9000 BB9000N1 New Balance 991v2s.
It’s not the first time the pair have unleashed MTHIERY6 on the 991v2. In fact, SI introduced the v2 retooling with two colorways in Fall 2023. With that in mind, this edition very much iterates on that past one. All-cream, all-olive and all-black are the choices here, each comprehensively draped in their respective neutrals for an easily-styled yet premium profile. However, much the same as Stone Island’s apparel, the draw is in the details. The UK brand’s emblem appears proudly emblazoned on the tongue, but also via translucent outsole detailing.
Each of the three colorways aligns with Stone Island’s upcoming “Ghost” FW24 collection, intentionally guided by the “concept of camouflage.” While militaristic aesthetics and these sort of palettes already dominate SI’s catalog, it creates some narrative depth and intention behind their latest New Balance output. Those tapped into the promo effort here could’ve derived the concept already; Humvees and barracks featured heavily in teaser shots.
The three pairs in the Stone Island New Balance 991v2 “Ghost” collection release on September 26th via the Stone Island website and in-store. If the release cadence from the 574 earlier this year holds, a wider NB drop should follow shortly after.
