Matt Varga Sashiko Gals last made our homepage by outfitting Apple’s Tim Cook with a customized Vomero Plus, but now things appear to be getting more serious with their footwear exploration. The imprint is officially joining hands with New Balance, set to embark on a long-term partnership that begins in fitting fashion, with a customized version of the New Balance 1300 JP.
The once-every-half-decade model chalked off its latest edition earlier in April, an ultra-premium version of the staple silhouette that again marked near-instant sellouts across the board. Given Sashiko Gals’ heritage on the island, utilizing the rare reissue as a starting point is only fitting, with designers cooking up an extremely limited run of pairs with their trademark careful and considered touch. In addition, the ocean-crossing quality of this partnership is on full display as the team reinvents the Made in USA Varsity Jacket.
Only two pairs of the Sashiko Gals x New Balance 1300 JP and four varsity jackets will be releasing, dropping via raffle at the New Balance Harajuku flagship. The 1300 clocks in with a sticker price of 363,000 yen (approx. $2330 USD) while the jackets (one of each in S, M, L, and XL) will go for 990,000 Yen (approx. 6,300 USD). While there’s no denying that those numbers are eye-popping, proceeds from all sales will go to MOONSHOT Co., LTD., an initiative to foster the talents of sashiko artisans and create a tournament-style showcase.
