The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” is a stunning collaboration inspired by aquatic journeys and natural beauty. This sneaker blends vibrant colors, premium materials, and innovative design, creating a unique footwear experience that celebrates water’s essence while offering exceptional comfort and style.
Inspiration Behind the Design
The “Water Be The Guide” collection draws inspiration from aquatic elements and natural landscapes, reflecting the fluidity and beauty of water through its color palette and design.
The Role of Water in Design
Water played a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic and conceptual direction of the “Water Be The Guide” sneaker. Its fluidity and versatility inspired the use of flowing color gradients and textured overlays, symbolizing movement and adaptability. The design incorporates elements like shaggy suede and mesh to mimic the organic, layered qualities of water, while the palette draws from aquatic hues such as teal, cyan, and rose water. This approach not only pays homage to water’s beauty but also highlights its universal significance, creating a sneaker that feels both natural and contemporary. The result is a design that captures the essence of water, blending it seamlessly with modern footwear innovation.
Havasu Falls: A Natural Muse
Havasu Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder in the Grand Canyon, served as the primary inspiration for the “Water Be The Guide” sneaker. The falls’ turquoise waters, lush greenery, and striking rock formations influenced the color palette and design elements. The vibrant aqua and teal hues in the sneaker reflect the water’s clarity, while the earthy tones nod to the surrounding landscape. Salehe Bembury drew upon the serene beauty of Havasu Falls to create a sneaker that embodies the tranquility and power of nature. The falls’ unique aesthetic and symbolic significance as a natural oasis inspired the combination of bold yet harmonious colors and textures, resulting in a design that feels both organic and contemporary. This collaboration captures the essence of Havasu Falls, translating its natural beauty into a wearable form of art.
Design and Materials
The sneaker features open pink mesh uppers with shaggy suede overlays in vibrant aqua, inspired by water’s essence. Premium leather and shearling accents enhance durability and style, blending seamlessly with its aquatic theme.
Color Palette and Aesthetics
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” showcases a captivating color palette deeply influenced by water and nature. The upper features a base of pale orange mesh, symbolizing the warmth of sunlight reflecting on water surfaces. This is complemented by shaggy suede overlays in a vibrant aqua hue, evoking the clarity and movement of flowing water. Contrasting elements such as dark green velour New Balance logos and lime green heel patches add depth and vibrancy, creating a harmonious balance between earthy tones and aquatic inspiration. The overall aesthetic is both refreshing and dynamic, capturing the essence of water’s beauty while maintaining a modern and stylish appeal.
Material Composition
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” features a carefully curated mix of premium materials that blend durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. The upper is constructed from open pink mesh, providing breathability and a lightweight feel. This base layer is complemented by shaggy suede overlays in a vibrant aqua hue, adding texture and depth to the design. Leather accents and shearling details are strategically incorporated for a touch of luxury and sophistication. The shoe also includes a speckled white sole, enhancing both visual intrigue and traction. Additionally, the interior features a fabric lining for comfort, ensuring a smooth and irritation-free wear. The combination of these materials results in a sneaker that is both visually striking and functionally superior, making it a standout piece in any collection.
Unique Design Elements
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” boasts a series of distinctive design elements that set it apart. The sneaker features a striking color palette inspired by water, with shades of blue, orange, and green creating a vibrant yet harmonious look. The upper combines open pink mesh with shaggy suede overlays in aqua, adding texture and depth. A gradient effect on the suede overlays further enhances the aquatic theme. The heel patch in lime green provides a bold contrast, while the dark green velour New Balance logo adds a touch of elegance. The sole, with its speckled white finish, resembles the movement of water, tying the design together. These elements collectively create a sneaker that is both visually captivating and deeply connected to its natural inspiration, making it a standout piece in footwear design.
Salehe Bembury x New Balance Collaboration
The partnership between Salehe Bembury and New Balance resulted in the 2002R “Water Be The Guide,” blending Bembury’s creative vision with New Balance’s craftsmanship, inspired by water’s beauty.
About Salehe Bembury
Salehe Bembury is a Los Angeles-based footwear designer known for his innovative and nature-inspired designs. With a deep connection to the natural world, Bembury often draws inspiration from elements like water and landscapes. His work seamlessly blends bold aesthetics with functional design, making him a standout in the footwear industry. Bembury’s collaborations, such as the “Water Be The Guide” series, showcase his ability to translate abstract concepts into wearable art. His passion for storytelling through design has earned him widespread acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a visionary designer.
The Collaboration Process
The collaboration between Salehe Bembury and New Balance on the 2002R “Water Be The Guide” was a seamless fusion of creativity and shared vision. Building on the success of their previous partnership, the two entities aimed to create a sneaker that reflected Bembury’s deep connection to nature. Inspired by his visit to Havasu Falls, Bembury brought his concept of water as a guiding force to the table. New Balance provided the technical expertise and resources to bring this vision to life. The design process involved extensive material selection, color experimentation, and a focus on comfort. The result is a sneaker that not only celebrates water’s beauty but also embodies the perfect balance of style and functionality.
Comfort and Performance
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” offers exceptional comfort with its lightweight mesh upper and responsive cushioning, ensuring all-day support and versatility for any activity.
Technology and Features
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” incorporates advanced footwear technology, featuring a lightweight mesh upper for breathability and flexibility. The shoe’s design includes shaggy suede overlays in vibrant aqua hues, adding both durability and a stylish touch. A speckled white sole provides traction, while a lime green heel patch enhances visibility. The combination of materials ensures a balance between comfort and aesthetic appeal, making this sneaker versatile for various occasions. Additionally, the shoe’s construction includes shearling accents and leather hits, which contribute to its premium feel. Overall, the “Water Be The Guide” sneaker seamlessly blends innovative design elements with functional technology, creating a standout piece in modern footwear.
Wearability and Versatility
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” excels in wearability and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions. Its lightweight mesh upper ensures breathability, while the shaggy suede overlays add a textured, stylish element. The sneaker’s vibrant color palette, featuring shades of aqua, orange, and green, allows it to stand out while remaining adaptable to various outfits. Whether dressed up or kept casual, this shoe effortlessly transitions between settings, from urban streets to outdoor adventures. Its balanced design and comfortable fit make it ideal for all-day wear, while its unique aesthetic appeals to sneaker enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. This blend of style, comfort, and adaptability solidifies its place as a versatile footwear choice for modern lifestyles.
Release and Market Impact
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” released on June 25, 2021, for $150, quickly selling out and becoming a highly sought-after sneaker in the market.
Release Details
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” was officially released on June 25, 2021, with a retail price of $150. This limited-edition sneaker was made available through select New Balance retailers, including their official website and partner stores like Spunge. The sneaker’s launch was highly anticipated, following the success of Bembury’s previous collaboration, “Peace Be The Journey.” To maintain exclusivity, purchases were limited to one pair per customer. The release strategy included both online and in-store availability, with some retailers offering early access to loyal customers. The sneaker quickly sold out, reflecting its strong demand and the growing popularity of Bembury’s collaborations with New Balance.
Market Reception and Legacy
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” received widespread acclaim upon its release, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after sneakers of 2021. Its unique design, inspired by water and nature, resonated with sneaker enthusiasts and collectors alike, leading to a sell-out within hours. The sneaker’s success solidified Salehe Bembury’s reputation as a visionary designer in the footwear industry. Its impact extended beyond the market, as it influenced future collaborations and cemented New Balance’s position as a leader in innovative sneaker design. The “Water Be The Guide” is now considered a modern classic, with its value increasing on the resale market. This silhouette continues to be celebrated for its blend of style, comfort, and cultural significance, leaving a lasting legacy in sneaker culture.
The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide” represents a harmonious blend of innovative design, natural inspiration, and exceptional comfort. Its vibrant color palette, premium materials, and unique aesthetic have made it a standout in sneaker culture. Inspired by water and Havasu Falls, this collaboration not only pays homage to nature but also showcases the power of creativity in footwear design. The sneaker’s success has solidified its place as a modern classic, appealing to both sneaker enthusiasts and casual wearers. With its lasting impact on the market and its timeless appeal, the “Water Be The Guide” continues to be celebrated as a testament to the beauty of collaboration and the enduring influence of nature on design.