Jaden Smith's New Balance MSFTSrep 0.01 "Orca" Releases April 26
Jaden Smith and New Balance venture into the depths of design innovation, unveiling the MSFTSrep 0.01 in a captivating "Orca" inspired black and white colorway. Straying from the path of previous, more vibrant editions, this latest iteration embraces the stark contrasts and majestic simplicity reminiscent of the ocean's most distinguished predator.
The refined "Orca" palette of black and white is visually striking and further enriched by the deliberate choice of materials. Swapping out the standard leather for plush suede in critical areas like the quarter and mudguard infuses the silhouette with a textured contrast, enhancing its visual appeal. Accents of white in co-branded details, the collar, and intricate piping throughout craft a "Panda" effect that resonates with the sneaker's grayscale theme while subtly nodding to the orca's iconic patterning.
This rendition of the MSFTSrep 0.01 marks a significant evolution in Jaden Smith's sneaker design narrative with New Balance. The silhouette's departure towards a retro on-court upper dramatically alters its profile yet maintains continuity with Smith's previous footwear ventures. The signature three-part segmented midsole from the New Balance Vision Racer remains a defining feature, and the layered upper paneling draws inspiration from Smith’s influence on the New Balance 574, showcasing a meticulous approach to design.
A release date for the pair has just been confirmed by New Balance US for April 26, 2024.