Concepts Honour ‘The Kiwi Queen’ with New Balance 992 ‘Low Hanging Fruit’ Colab
has been a consistent source of creative sustenance for collaborations. It continues to feed the brain of the boutique’s creative director, Deon Point, who pays homage to a local culinary icon with the upcoming ‘Low Hanging Fruit’.
This tasty 992 is a tribute to Frieda Rapoport Caplan, better known as ‘The Kiwi Queen’, who introduced the fuzzy fruit to America in 1962 via her eponymous Frieda’s Specialty Produce business. Credited with changing the grocery game in the US, Caplan helped diversify the range of fresh produce that her country were eating, with the implementation of clever packaging and complimentary recipes being just two of the ways she made these once-foreign foods more approachable.
As such, there is plenty of inspiration for Concepts, who have similarly championed obscure sneakers with out-there packaging and deep storytelling. Their latest NB 992 is no different, with extra-textured suede making its debut on the runner, bordering classic perforated panels. The tan and green colourway is a clear reference to the kiwi fruit’s cross-section, while the vibrant graphic insoles depict more familiar strawberries. Other bespoke touches include the ‘CONCEPTS’ text divided between the tongue labels, plus the custom faux timber shoebox reading ‘Fresh Imported NB 992’.
The Concepts x New Balance 992 ‘Low Hanging Fruit’ will release exclusively on November 12 at Concepts Boston and NYC, plus a small allocation at Bodega LA.