Hypebeast Catches up with Jaden Smith Wearing New Balance: Day Three

This is the third day of our interview with Jaden Smith, who presented his new footwear “New Balance for Jaden Smith MSFTSrep 0.01.” In this interview, he reveals why he chose Tokyo as the location for the launch.

MSFTSrep, founded and creative-directed by actor and rapper Jaden Smith, has teamed up with New Balance once again to announce the release of “New Balance for Jaden Smith MSFTSrep 0.01” and this item will be released on August 24. The item was officially launched in Tokyo on August 24, and an after-party was held at TRUNK HOTEL in Shibuya, Tokyo to commemorate the event. In this issue, we report on the final day of the “Jaden in Tokyo” event.

On the last day, we visited New Balance Harajuku and had a party in the evening!

Hypebeast: Thanks for your time! I am sure this is the last time we will hear from you about MSFTSrep 0.01, so I would like to ask you again about this and that.

Jaden Smith: We’ll just party after this, right? I will answer anything!

Why did you dare to choose Tokyo as the location for the official launch?

Since MSFTSrep is a global movement, this city “Tokyo” is the perfect place to launch it because of the intersection of various people and cultures. And since we want MSFTSrep 0.01 to be for everyone, not just a specific community or person, Tokyo was the best place for us to do it. Also, I guess because I love Japan in the first place.

What is your most memorable moment during your stay in Tokyo?

Everything was great, but I think the best so far is T-House New Balance, a New Balance concept store in Nihonbashi and the studio of TOKYO DESIGN STUDIO New Balance, which I visited on the first day. It was a great experience because it was a truly beautiful space where traditional architecture and modern elements coexisted.

How do you feel about the design concept of connecting the past with the present?

It’s very interesting and I personally like it. So in MSFTSrep 0.01, we are also using the archival coat styles as a base, blending tradition with modern design sensibilities. It’s important to me to give new designs to old ones.

Why is it important to give new designs to old ones?

There are many people who have created great designs and ideas going back in history, so I think it is important to have respect for those predecessors. I want to embody the sampling culture in hip-hop, in fashion and in other things.

Thank you very much for the 3 days.

Thank you too, and best wishes again! If you are reading this, please check out MSFTSrep 0.01. Thank you so much to everyone in Tokyo. Now let’s party!

Jaden’s worldwide popularity is still evident even in Tokyo, Japan, and many people had gathered at the after-party venue, TRUNK (HOTEL), even before he appeared on stage. And when Jaden showed up, the floor was in a state of panic, indicating that he is gaining tremendous support from the next generation. Jaden Smith’s bravery in running through the party without showing any fatigue, despite the overcrowded schedule during his stay in Tokyo, was a sight to behold.

To find out more about the collab, visit the New Balance official online store.