When it pertains to reimaginingsneaker collaborationswith a bold combination of color, texture, and storytelling,Salehe BemburyRemains unmatched in his category. The ex-Versace designer, now a footwear innovator, has once again collaborated with New Balance, reinterpreting the revived 1000 model—a classic design that originally debuted in 1999. Using his trademark style of organized chaos, Bembury turns the vintage sneaker into something completely new.
Officially named “Fog Be The Cloud,” the new New Balance drop is more than just a pair of shoes; it’s a bold exploration of layered intricacy, both in design and in idea. By combining historical foundations with innovative style, Bembury presents one of the most striking and discussion-inducing partnerships of the year.
New Balance Fog Be The Cloud:A Classic Design Reinterpreted with Intent
The New Balance 1000 is more than just a nostalgic return. It was quietly brought back in 2024 to celebrate its 25th anniversary, making a quiet comeback to the collection. Until recently. Thanks to Bembury’s influence, the design has been revitalized, moving beyond its original focus on performance and confidently entering the realm ofhigh-fashion streetwear.
What makes the “Fog Be The Cloud” version so intriguing is its capacity to respect history without being limited by it. The curved, divided panels on the upper stay true to the original design, but the implementation is clearly Bembury’s. Through combining suede, mesh, synthetic layers, and woven materials, he reimagines the shoe into something much more energetic—an item that balances between a sneaker and a bold accessory, functionality and creativity.
Color Story:Mastering Mayhem at Its Peak
Sticking to his trademark style, Bembury doesn’t hesitate to use color. In fact, he fully embraces it with bold confidence. Unlike many designers who stick to a main color or a conservative combination, the New Balance “Fog Be The Cloud” bursts with a variety of contrasts. At first glance, the combination appears almost disorganized: electric blue, lime green, and earthy brown,magenta, purple, dark green, and a burst of orange all vie for the viewer’s focus. However, as you continue to observe, an unexpected feeling of structure becomes apparent.
The design is softened by the lavender inner lining, while neon green insoles add a striking, modern touch. Subtle shades of brown and forest green provide a grounding effect to the color scheme, avoiding an overwhelming visual impact. Lastly, a woven Salehe Bembury tag on the side panel unifies the color scheme—a discreet emblem that highlights the balance between audacity and moderation in the design.
Performance Meets Style in Material Implementation
In addition to its striking design, the sneaker showcases a careful focus on functionality. The breathable fabric upper ensures a lightweight feel, while a padded midsole and multidirectional traction make the design practical for everyday use. Bembury recognizes that in sneaker culture, style is not enough without comfort—the two need to work together, and they do here.
Introducing mystery, two versions of the model have emerged, each marked by slight material differences. One features a smooth leather mudguard, whereas the other incorporates tough suede. Additionally, the mini Swoosh on the toe box differs, being indented on one version and stitched on another, encouraging sneaker lovers to appreciate the small details.
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Subtle Branding, Not a Boast
While many partnerships focus on prominent logos or obvious narratives, Bembury chooses subtlety. His “Be A Spunge” philosophy, based on discovery, wonder, and taking in the environment, is reflected in both the name and the essence of this shoe. Fog Be The Cloud is more than poetic branding; it’s a call to embrace ambiguity, to discover significance in the undefined and appreciate the space in between.
Sticking with that approach, the branding is minimal. A subtle co-branded woven label is placed on the side heel, while the insoles and outsole gently reference New Balance and SB. It’s a quiet signature, sufficient to indicate Bembury’s involvement without crossing into excessive commercialism.
Anticipation Builds:Launch Information and Projected Interest
To date, there is no confirmed release date, but the New Balance “Fog Be The Cloud” is expected to launch in Fall 2025 via BeASpunge.com, New Balance, and certain high-end retailers. Information about the price is still undisclosed, but based on previous partnerships, the shoes are likely to be priced between $150 and $175—a cost that seems reasonable considering the quality and Bembury’s established reputation.
The excitement for the release is already building. Previous collaborations between Bembury and New Balance, such as the trail-style 574 Yurt and the nature-inspired 2002R Peace Be The Journey, sold out within minutes, solidifying the designer’s dedicated fanbase. Everything points to Fog Be The Cloud being ready for a similar success, maybe even surpassing its predecessors.
Final Take:More Than a Shoe, a Declaration
Salehe Bembury’s Fog Be The Cloud is not intended for those who prefer simplicity. It is not for the timid. However, for individuals who find poetry in patterns, depth in colors, and beauty in controlled disorder, this sneaker serves as a statement. It showcases a designer at the height of his artistic abilities—bold in exploration, and determined to redefine what a sneaker can represent.
As Fall 2025 approaches, this release goes beyond mere seasonal excitement. It serves as a reminder that the most impactful style is frequently the most difficult to describe. Like mist. Like sky.
Featured image: New Balance
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