One Block Down Examines New Balance's Cultural Impact on Italy
Dedicating its collaborative 1500 to Rome and 991 to Milan.
Italian retailer One Block Down has presented its latest project with New Balance, telling the story of how two silhouettes played an important subcultural role in Italy. The collaboration focuses on the 1500 and 991, which were adopted by the cities of Rome and Milan respectively.
Rome and Milan are also the locations of One Block Down’s two physical locations, and each silhouette is dedicated to one of the cities. The two sneakers both come in New Balance’s project-exclusive “Marble Gray” construction, while the 1500 features red embroidery saying “Rome” on the forefoot of the left shoe. For the 991, One Block Down has added the word “Milan” to the heel of the right foot. The two colorways are both finished with yellow lace tags complete with One Block Down branding.
Marking the release, One Block Down has launched a fanzine telling the full story of the history of New Balance in Italy. The retailer also curated a “Special Pack” for friends and family featuring the fanzine and ceramics of iconic buildings in each city. The “Special Back” will not be available at retail.
Both the 991 and 1500 are available now from the One Block Down web store.
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