Caught between Heaven and Hell

RELEASE INFO:
SGD$249

6PM, FRIDAY
18 APRIL 2008

LEFTFOOT
14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza
#03-94
Singapore 225213
Tel: 65-67343227

In line with the 20^th anniversary celebrations of their classic 576 model, New Balance and renowned Singapore sneaker store Leftfoot have collaborated on an effort of epic proportions. Leftfoot has engaged two of the best in the sneaker-world, Singapore-based SBTG and LA-based Methamphibian, to help them embark on their first ever store collaboration shoe.

Leftfoot was established in 2002 and at that time was Singapore’s first ever specialty sneaker store to offer limited edition sneakers from all over the world. Leftfoot has flourished into a chain of stores locally and has even expanded its reaches internationally beyond Singapore into Taipei, Taiwan.

Descending into the darkest recesses of hell before ascending upon heaven’s infinite dawn, these two sneaker design/custom maestros pitted their skills as one force to bring us a physical manifestation of Heaven and Hell. The union of SBTG’s and Methamphibian’s minds is translated onto two pairs of New Balance 576. Derived initially from the concept of two extremes - east (SBTG) versus west (Methamphibian) - it eventually evolved into the story of an ethereal battle amidst good and evil, between Heaven and Hell. SBTG and Methamphibian set out to create two contrasting 576, one white (Heaven) and one black (Hell). Although the theme and colour of both 576 seem a stark contrast, the two shoes are married in this incessant war among angels and demons.

Adhering to the saying “The devil is in the details”, the humble 576 silhouette features a host of details that lies beyond the initial base shoe. On the surface both shoes emphasise a strong mono-coloured exterior, but upon further inspection detailing such as splashes of patent leather, perforated leather inner lining, tonal tiger-stripe camouflage print on the front toe, holographic camouflage material on the middle panel and heel tab, snake skin New Balance logo, individualised tongue tags (Heaven – Five Heaven Six, and Hell – Five Seven 666), waxed laces, and logos screened on insoles, reveal a hidden depth that goes beyond conventional sneaker design. This covert agenda in aesthetic design was the intention of the two designers.

“We wanted to create a separate black and white sneaker for Leftfoot that encompasses concept, depth and story into a New Balance 576 shoe. And I firmly believe we achieved that. Both shoes have been designed as a collective effort between Meth and me, not as individuals.” – Mark Ong, aka SBTG.

The New Balance X Leftfoot Heaven and Hell 576 comes packaged in a commemorative drawer box in the accompanying colour of each shoe. The box is covered in tonal tiger-stripe camouflage prints and features artwork on the side panel of the inside drawer which can be put together to form the entire original piece, depicting the war between Heaven and Hell.

New Balance Singapore is excited to present this first special collaborative effort between Leftfoot Singapore, SBTG and Methamphibian to New Balance lovers. The New Balance X Leftfoot 576, with a suggested retail of $249, is limited to 444 pairs per colour worldwide and will be made available at Leftfoot stores on Friday, 18 April 2008, at 6PM.

Also on the night there will be a special official launch party at 54, Ministry of Sound.
SBTG will be on hand to tag the first 100 boxes for fans.

Entry is free for the first 600 who present the flyer at the door. Flyer can be obtained when either Heaven or Hell is purchased from Leftfoot.