"For those not deep in sneaker lore, the New Balance 1300JP is basically the Bigfoot of running shoes. Originally released in the 1980s, it only drops once every five years in Japan, making it the kind of shoe that serious collectors set calendar reminders for. It's got that classic grey suede aesthetic and Made in USA quality that sneakerheads obsess over."
"Enter Sashiko Gals, a community of Japanese artisans who are keeping the centuries-old tradition of sashiko embroidery alive by dragging it, stitch by careful stitch, into contemporary culture. Sashiko is that traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique where artisans use running stitches to create intricate patterns on fabric, typically indigo-dyed. It's slow work. Meticulous work. The kind of craft that makes you appreciate the human hands behind every detail."
"What these artisans did to the 1300JP is nothing short of remarkable. They covered the entire upper with hand-made sashiko patches, stitching them with white, orange, and indigo-blue thread. The decorative patterns create this visually rich tapestry that screams Japanese heritage while somehow still respecting the sneaker's classic silhouette. And because these artisans apparently don't believe in half-measures, they even stitched the running patterns onto the ends of the laces. Every. Single. Detail. Matters."
New Balance Japan collaborated with Sashiko Gals to reinterpret the 1300JP as handcrafted wearable art. The 1300JP is a rare, once-every-five-years Japan drop known for its grey suede aesthetic and Made in USA construction favored by collectors. Sashiko Gals applied centuries-old sashiko embroidery, using running stitches and indigo-dyed textiles, to cover the shoe's upper with hand-made patches stitched in white, orange, and indigo-blue thread. Decorative patterns produce a layered tapestry that honors Japanese heritage while preserving the classic silhouette. Artisans also stitched running patterns onto the lace ends, emphasizing meticulous, detail-driven craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Read at www.yankodesign.com
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