Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R⁚ Water Be The Guide
This highly anticipated collaboration, released in June 2021, draws inspiration from Arizona’s Havasu Falls. The shoe features a unique blend of materials and a striking teal and orange colorway, reflecting the natural beauty of the falls.
Design Inspiration and Collaboration
Salehe Bembury’s New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” is a direct result of his visit to Havasu Falls in Arizona. The vibrant turquoise waters and surrounding greenery heavily influenced the shoe’s design. Bembury, known for his nature-inspired designs, translated the cascading water and lush landscape into a unique color palette and material choices. The collaboration seamlessly blends Bembury’s artistic vision with New Balance’s technical expertise, resulting in a sneaker that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The shoe’s design is a testament to the power of natural inspiration in footwear design, showcasing a harmonious blend of artistry and functionality. The collaboration marked a significant moment, further solidifying Bembury’s status as a leading figure in the sneaker world and highlighting New Balance’s commitment to innovative design partnerships.
Release Date and Initial Hype
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” officially dropped on June 25th, 2021. Preceding the release, substantial anticipation built due to sneak peeks and collaborations with various influencers. The unique design and Bembury’s established reputation within the sneaker community fueled the hype. News outlets and sneaker blogs extensively covered the upcoming launch, further intensifying the excitement among collectors and enthusiasts. The limited release quantities contributed to the high demand, resulting in a swift sell-out across various retailers. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions and images of the shoe, solidifying its immediate impact on sneaker culture. Resale prices quickly surged above the original retail price, indicating a strong secondary market demand. This initial surge in popularity underscored the collaboration’s success and cemented its place as a highly sought-after release.
Materials and Construction
The “Water Be The Guide” 2002R utilizes a combination of premium materials, reflecting the shoe’s inspiration from Havasu Falls. A breathable mesh underlay forms the base, providing ventilation and comfort. Overlaid atop this is a plush, hairy suede in a striking teal color, adding texture and visual depth. Accents of supple leather are strategically incorporated throughout the upper, enhancing the shoe’s durability and luxurious feel. The color palette extends to subtle coral-colored mesh accents, creating a balanced contrast against the dominant blue. The midsole, a signature element of the 2002R silhouette, offers cushioning and support. The construction seamlessly integrates these diverse materials, resulting in a shoe that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally robust. The overall build quality contributes to the shoe’s high perceived value and desirability within the collector market.
Colorway and Design Details
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” boasts a captivating colorway inspired by the vibrant hues of Havasu Falls. Dominated by a rich teal, reminiscent of the cascading water, the suede overlays create a textured, visually striking effect. This deep blue is beautifully offset by accents of coral-toned mesh underlays, adding a playful contrast and echoing the surrounding desert landscape. Hints of green are subtly integrated, further enhancing the natural theme. The color placement isn’t random; it’s carefully considered to mimic the flow and movement of water. Beyond the color palette, design details include the signature “N” logo, subtly integrated into the design without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. The shoe’s overall design is clean yet impactful; a testament to Bembury’s ability to blend functionality with artistic vision. The combination of colors and textures creates a visually dynamic shoe that stands out while maintaining a sense of understated elegance.
The Shoe’s Significance
The “Water Be The Guide” transcends a simple sneaker; it’s a testament to Bembury’s design philosophy and his connection to nature, impacting sneaker culture with its unique aesthetic and story.
Havasu Falls Inspiration
Salehe Bembury’s “Water Be The Guide” New Balance 2002R finds its muse in the breathtaking Havasu Falls, located within the Grand Canyon’s stunning natural landscape. The shoe’s design directly reflects the vibrant turquoise waters and lush greenery surrounding the falls. This isn’t merely a superficial reference; the color palette, a blend of teal, coral, and hints of green, vividly captures the falls’ unique hues. The shoe’s very name, “Water Be The Guide,” emphasizes the profound influence of this natural wonder. Even the packaging reinforces this connection, often featuring imagery of Havasu Falls, solidifying the shoe’s origin story. The design thus translates the serene beauty and powerful energy of the falls into a wearable work of art, a testament to Bembury’s ability to translate natural inspiration into compelling footwear.
Bembury’s Design Philosophy
Salehe Bembury’s design approach for the “Water Be The Guide” 2002R exemplifies his deep connection to nature and his commitment to creating footwear that transcends mere aesthetics. He often draws inspiration from natural landscapes, transforming their essence into tangible designs. This collaboration showcases his knack for blending high-quality materials with a color palette that authentically reflects his inspiration. The choice of suede, mesh, and leather isn’t arbitrary; it contributes to the shoe’s overall texture and feel, mirroring the natural world’s diverse textures. His philosophy extends beyond visual appeal; the comfort and wearability are integral to his creations. This meticulous attention to detail reflects a holistic design ethos, where function and form are intrinsically linked, culminating in a shoe that’s both visually stunning and comfortable to wear. He seeks to evoke a feeling, an experience, rather than simply creating a product.
Impact on Sneaker Culture
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” significantly impacted sneaker culture upon its release. The collaboration solidified Bembury’s position as a leading figure in sneaker design, showcasing his unique ability to blend high fashion sensibilities with athletic footwear. Its nature-inspired design resonated with a broader audience than traditional athletic shoes, appealing to both sneakerheads and those seeking stylish, high-quality footwear. The limited release and subsequent high resale value further enhanced its desirability, solidifying its place as a coveted collectible. The shoe’s success contributed to increased interest in collaborations between designers and established brands, pushing creative boundaries within the industry. The “Water Be The Guide” not only became a successful product but also influenced the design aesthetic of subsequent sneaker releases, inspiring imitations and setting new trends in color palettes and material choices. Its legacy continues to inspire discussions on design and collaborations within the sneaker community.
Retail Information and Availability
Originally retailing for $150 USD, the “Water Be The Guide” is now highly sought after on the resale market. Authenticity is crucial when purchasing; check reputable sellers to avoid counterfeits.
Original Retail Price
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” carried a retail price of $150 USD upon its initial release in June 2021. This price point positioned the shoe within a competitive range for high-profile collaborations, balancing the appeal of a limited-edition release with relative accessibility for sneaker enthusiasts. While considered reasonable for a designer collaboration with New Balance, the limited quantities produced quickly drove up demand, ultimately affecting its resale value significantly. The initial price reflected New Balance’s established pricing strategy for premium collaborations, while also acknowledging the growing market for sought-after sneakers designed by influential figures like Salehe Bembury. The $150 price was a key factor in the shoe’s immediate popularity, making it a desirable item for a broad range of consumers interested in both fashion and limited-edition footwear. The combination of relatively affordable pricing and the highly sought-after nature of the collaboration ensured strong initial sales and immediate demand.
Resale Market Value
Due to high demand and limited release quantities, the resale market value of the Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” significantly exceeded its original retail price of $150. Prices on platforms like StockX and GOAT fluctuated based on size, condition, and overall market trends, but generally commanded a premium. While precise figures vary depending on these factors and the time of sale, many pairs sold for several times their original retail price shortly after release. This considerable markup reflects the shoe’s popularity among sneaker collectors and its status as a highly sought-after item. Factors influencing the resale value include the shoe’s appealing design, the collaboration with a well-regarded designer, and the inherent scarcity created by limited production runs. The ongoing appeal of the “Water Be The Guide” colorway and its association with Bembury’s design philosophy continues to drive demand in the secondary market, maintaining a higher-than-retail value even years after its initial drop. Collectors and resellers continue to seek out this model, ensuring its ongoing value in the resale market.
Where to Buy (Authenticity Concerns)
Purchasing the Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” requires careful consideration of authenticity. While initially available on New Balance’s website and select retailers, securing a pair now often involves the secondary market. Sites like StockX and GOAT offer buyer protection, verifying authenticity before shipment, though this comes at a premium. However, caution is advised when purchasing from less reputable online marketplaces or individual sellers, as counterfeit versions are prevalent. Inspecting listings thoroughly for inconsistencies in branding, materials, and overall construction is vital. Look for high-resolution images showcasing stitching, logos, and the overall shoe’s shape. Discrepancies in these details can often indicate a fake. Authentic pairs typically exhibit premium materials, precise stitching, and consistent branding, reflecting New Balance’s quality standards. When purchasing from a reseller, confirm their return policy and authenticity guarantee. Researching the seller’s reputation and reading reviews can help avoid fraudulent transactions. Ultimately, prioritizing reputable sources and verifying details meticulously is crucial when aiming for an authentic “Water Be The Guide” pair.