From the romantic cobblestones of Paris to the historic brownstones of Boston, our collaborative journey with New Balance has always been about weaving narratives that resonate with the spirit of a city. Following the nuanced storytelling of the NB 1906 Loafer, we now set our sights on the beating heart of New York City. This time, we delve beneath the surface, into the vibrant underground where a collective of creatives are shaping the city's future, one brushstroke, beat, and design at a time. With the arrival of the New Balance 1906R "Utility" Pack, a trio of distinct colorways ready to navigate the urban landscape, we're shifting our focus to these individuals, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and the energy they bring to the city.

Our creative vision for this editorial remains rooted in an organic and natural aesthetic, a visual language that allows the authenticity of our subjects to shine through. We've documented painter Leon Xu amidst his canvases, the subtle splatters of color mirroring the vibrant chaos of the city. We've captured creative director Anaa Saber in her element, her keen eye for detail reflected in the city's architectural nuances. And we've moved to the rhythm of DJ Sean Lyles, the pulse of his music echoing the city's relentless energy. Through these intimate portrayals, subtle nods to iconic New York City cues weave their way into the frame, grounding the narrative in the familiar yet ever-evolving backdrop of the metropolis.

Recognizing the distinct character of each 1906R within the "Utility" Pack, our approach is to give each colorway its moment in the spotlight. By featuring a diverse collective of talent, we can showcase how these versatile sneakers seamlessly integrate into varying creative disciplines and personal styles. Whether it's the subtle earth tones complementing Leon's artistic process, the sleek lines harmonizing with Anaa's modern aesthetic, or the bold accents adding a dynamic edge to Sean's DJ persona, the "Utility" Pack proves its adaptability within the multifaceted world of New York City's creative scene. Our aim is to inject a fresh perspective into the 1906R by showcasing its contemporary relevance through the lens of these forward-thinking individuals.

To truly capture the essence of the modern New Yorker and the elevated feel of the "Utility" Pack, we've opted for considered settings, varying from artist studio, to record shops and the city streets themselves. Depending on the unique spaces of our talent, we've sought out environments with architecturally interesting furniture and a sense of understated luxury. This deliberate choice allows the styling and, most importantly, the footwear to take center stage. The focus remains on the individual and their connection to the city, with the clean backdrop serving as a canvas to highlight their personal expression and the subtle design details of the 1906R.

Adding a layer of cool and contemporary energy to the editorial is the use of film photography. This technique not only enhances the styling and overall vibe but also powerfully emphasizes the distinct colorways of the 1906R "Utility" Pack. The patina that only film can give creates a visual dynamism that mirrors the city's vibrant pulse, highlighting the textures and details of both the clothing and the sneakers. Styling, while tailored to each individual's personality, leans into a quintessential New York aesthetic: workwear-inspired pieces layered with hints of sport and boundary-pushing elements. Expect to see curated looks featuring pieces from our very own CNCPTS private label integrated into the personal wardrobes of Leon, Anaa, and Sean.

The 1906R, like its cousins the 2002R and the 860v2, is led by a sole unit featuring a combination of flexible ACTEVA LITE cushioning, shock absorbing N-ergy, and segmented ABZORB SBS pods at the heel. This hi-tech approach is also reflected in the 1906R’s upper design, which features open-holed mesh and a series of curvilinear synthetic overlays. This distinctive take on the era’s design conventions offers a refined execution of high-performance heritage. Add this versatile staple to your wardrobe and unlock your creative expression.

The New Balance 1906R "Utility" Pack will be available prior to global release at 11am EST on Friday, April 25th at CNCPTS stores and on cncpts.com.