New Balance’s highly coveted 2002R “Refined Future” collection is officially returning with three new colorways. Also known as the “Protection Pack,” the trio of sneakers arrives through New York imprint Extra Butter via an exclusive drop.
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The new “Refined Future” pack features “Mirage Grey,” “Dark Navy,” and “Vintage Orange” colorways. Each model displays the series’ signature choppy suede uppers and two-tone N-ERGY soles. In addition to the sneakers, Extra Butter is releasing a private label Wabi Sabi Collection. The capsule includes cloud-dyed hoodies, mineral-washed tees, graphic tees, trucker hats, and new wide-leg herringbone trousers. Customers at Extra Butter’s Lower East Side and Long Island City stores will also enjoy a Zen Garden experience. The installation features a fish pond and Japanese-inspired specialty cocktails courtesy of The Infamous Bar.
“Last year, we launched the first Refined Future pack through a Y2K narrative, inspired by the era in which the 2002 originally debuted. For this year’s launch, we sought to create product storytelling that directly tied back to the design of the Refined Future Pack,” says Bernie Gross, Creative Director at Extra Butter. “The model’s signature detail is the upper panel that is seemingly cut haphazardly, which to me implied the presence of a human, handmade element. It very much reminded me of the Wabi Sabi – a Japanese philosophy embracing imperfection, impermanence, and asymmetry.”
Look out for the “Refined Future” Pack exclusively at Extra Butter stores and online on September 29 for $160 USD. Before the release, take an official look at all three pairs in the gallery above!
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