Jovani Hernandez Teddy Santis and his Aimé Leon Dore team have kept relatively quiet since the start of 2022. As lucky customers continue to wait to receive their New Balance 605R pairs from the brand, the New York City-based label has just given the sneaker space something else to look forward to: two unreleased New Balance 991 colorways and a New Balance 990v2.
Unveiled in ALD’s Spring/Summer 2022 lookbook, a first glance at the trio doesn’t reveal co-branding to confirm an official collaboration. Yet, as has been the case with past projects, the decades-old silhouettes’ unrecognizable ensembles have been seen first via the carefully-curated campaign for Aimé Leon Dore’s next collection.
Modeled by the likes of Big Body Bes, Disco and Riley Montana, the potential ALD 991 duo and 990v2 complements Santis’ latest apparel selections well, as shades of brown, off-white and grey take over the sneakers’ breathable mesh base, premium leather upper and tried-and-proven foam and rubber sole unit. Closer inspection of all three pairs likely reveals a number of Aimé Leon Dore-specific detailing, as would the packaging. Neither party involved has confirmed details of the unreleased pairs, but it’s possible the shoes were prepped for a launch in 2021 to coincide with the 991’s 20th anniversary. Nevertheless, it’s expected that ALD’s co-sign works wonders for the traditionally Made In U.K. proposition, just as it did for the New Balance 550.
Enjoy campaign imagery from Santis’ brand ahead, and keep it locked here for updates.
For more from the Boston-based institution, check out the New Balance 990v6, which ALD’s frontman originally previewed in June 2021.
Images: @aimeleondore
