Junya Watanabe Man presented a collection during Paris Fashion Week Men’s on Friday (January 19, 2023), where the Tokyo-based label turned heads with the reveal of a New Balance 1906R loafer. Featuring either a black or white leather upper, the shoe merges the upper of a loafer with a cushioned athletic outsole.
While the concept of a hybrid shoe/sneaker is hardly a revolutionary concept, Junya Watanabe and New Balance’s decision to throw their hat in the ring reflects an ongoing shift away from head-to-toe athletic looks to an aesthetic that includes nods to collegial or preppy fashion, which in the current cycle has been described as quiet luxury.
Details on pricing and timing aren’t yet available, but given the loafers were part of the fall 20204 collection, they should launch sometime in August 2024 on sites like Dover Street Market and other luxury retailers.
