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

This is the second day of the Hypebeast close-up report on Jaden Smith during his visit to Japan. This time, the destination is Harajuku.

Jaden Smith, actor, rapper, and creative director of MSFTSrep, has once again teamed up with New Balance, a company that is an ever-present force in the sneaker world, to release a new line of footwear called “New Balance for Jaden Smith MSFTSrep 0.01.” Jaden himself stayed in Tokyo from August 22nd to 24th. Hypebeast will closely follow Jaden during the three days he spent in Tokyo and delve into the charms of MSFTSrep 0.01 through his real appearance and words in three articles. This article is the second-day edition, which includes Jaden Smith’s stroll in Harajuku and an interview at the Omotesando gallery where MSFTSrep 0.01 is exhibited.

Walking Harajuku & Interview at the Exhibition Space

To begin with, Jaden Smith has previously released his signature model, the Vision Racer, from New Balance, which captivated many sneaker fans with its innovative design and concept. And now, as the next step, the MSFTSrep 0.01 features a simple minimalist design that is the complete opposite approach to the flashy previous model, and the white and black coloring creates a sophisticated atmosphere. We asked the multifaceted creative when he was visiting the Omotesando gallery where MSFTSrep 0.01 is displayed if this change in design was influenced by anything.

Hypebeast: Compared to the previous model “Vision Racer”, MSFTSrep 0.01 has a strikingly simple design.

Jaden Smith: Yes, it is. We intentionally kept it simple. I began to think that a great design is inherently beautiful, so it may not need more. Rather, I came to think that I wanted to bring out the inherent charm of the item. 

What triggered such a state of mind?

It’s not so much a trigger, but rather a simple sneaker design because I’ve never done anything like it before. When I do something, I always want to try something I’ve never done before.

What were you conscious of in this sneaker?

I guess it was to express my philosophy on sustainability. So it is not so much a new challenge, but something that I am always conscious of. Dieter Rams always says that design should be sustainable, and I agree with him. We humans have a responsibility to the entire planet. I have to convey that message to everyone.

“Sneakers that go with a variety of styles. ” How do you feel about the latest MSFTSrep 0.01?

Outstanding, perfect! The MSFTSrep 0.01 is based on New Balance’s archive of court-style shoes, so it’s a great comfort shoe. I mean, all of New Balance’s sneakers are just so comfortable. I’ve been wearing these sneakers for the past few months.

We saw you were wearing MSFTSrep 0.01 on Instagram and other places before the announcement. Do you have any recommendations on how to coordinate them?

I feel that the wide pants and short lengths I am wearing today go with them naturally. But basically, I think there should be a variety of styles, and I want the people who wear them to enjoy them in any way they like. I want people to enjoy wearing them in any way they like. I designed them in a way that allows each person to show their individuality, from doctors to teachers, skaters to rappers. I want to make people wear them however they like.

That kind of message is similar to the concept of MSFTSrep.

That’s exactly right, the concept of MSFTSrep is evolving every day with respect for individuality at its core.

Is it true that the MSFTSrep 0.01, which was born from this, is not only a sneaker with a design but also a sneaker with a hidden philosophy of its creator?

YEAH! There’s no doubt about it. And because we made them for people of various styles regardless of genre, even if you don’t usually wear sneakers, please take a look at the real thing first and try them on at least once. You will surely find the charm of MSFTSrep 0.01.

Jaden Smith, who freely enjoyed strolling around Harajuku while riding his skateboard and walking around at random, was so excited to see the pop-up space that fused the world of his fashion movement “MSFTSrep” with MSFTSrep 0.01 that he looked like a little boy as he gazed at the sneakers and exhibits from start to finish. He looked at the sneakers and other exhibits with boyish eyes from start to finish. Moreover, just before our interview, Jaden Smith’s sister Willow Smith, who was performing at “Summer Sonic 2023”, showed up at the venue, giving us a glimpse into the natural state of the family, which was probably the closest we got to the real thing during the three days we spent in close contact with them. It was the most natural glimpse of the family during the three days of close contact with them.

Finally, I asked him about his plans for tonight in a chatty way, and he said, “There’s really nothing going on today, so I don’t know what I’m going to do. Of course we can have a commemorative photo, okay?”. Despite being a super busy VIP “Jaden Smith” who is active around the world, he is always spontaneous and loves fashion, music, the earth, and his family, like a prince of the new age. As I walked down Omotesando after the second day of interviews, the late August heat made me want to listen to “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.

To find out more about the collab, Hypebeast will be reporting on Jaden Smith for three days. To learn more, visit the New Balance official online store.