## Bricks & Wood x New Balance: A Collaborative Masterpiece with the 1906 Utility
The highly anticipated third collaboration between Los Angeles streetwear brand Bricks & Wood and New Balance has finally arrived. The latest footwear model, the 1906 Utility, was released on October 18th, marking a significant milestone in the partnership. The day before the launch, Bricks & Wood’s team traveled to Japan, hosting a breakfast event at Dover Street Market Ginza, bringing together key figures and friends for a celebratory gathering.
Right after the warm and engaging event concluded, we had the chance to speak with Daniela Barasa, the brand’s COO and DJ, and Casey Lynch, the CEO, who both played a vital role in designing this unique collaboration.
A Collaboration That Has Evolved
“We’ve worked together so many times now that we feel a sense of familiarity with New Balance,” Casey shared. “It’s remarkable how long our partnership has lasted. Previously, our collaborations were a way of introducing Bricks & Wood to the world. However, this time, we’ve reached a point where we’ve built a harmonious balance with New Balance, and it’s reflected in this latest item. This collaboration is a testament to our significant growth over the years.”
Inspiration from the Dazzling Moth
When asked about the theme behind the latest collaborative shoe, Daniela explained, “The theme is ‘Butterfly Effect,’ which signifies how small events can ultimately lead to significant, unexpected consequences. This theme is deeply personal to me. Six years ago, I started as an intern at Bricks & Wood, and now I’m designing this major collaboration. It’s truly a butterfly effect in my own journey. We believe that this kind of transformation can happen for everyone, and it was a key inspiration for this project.”
A Modern Design with a Touch of Nature
Daniela continued, “The design was inspired by the ‘Madagascar Sunset Moth,’ a moth with a breathtaking array of vibrant colors. We combined those colors with the shoe’s details to create a modern and stylish silhouette.”
Choosing the 1906 Model
“We chose the 1906 model because it’s a shoe that feels natural and comfortable to wear every day. It’s a model that allows for various approaches due to the combination of different materials like mesh panels and suede. It offers a lot of design freedom,” explained Casey. “This model also feels like a continuation of our previous collaboration with the 90/60 shoe, which we also loved.”
Timeless Design and Comfort: The Foundation of Collaboration
“We always strive to create designs that are both timeless and comfortable,” Casey affirmed. “This time, we wanted to do something different from our previous collaborations. Ultimately, we wanted to create a design that aligned with the brand’s current direction and brought us joy.”
Celebrating Diversity and Cultural Exchange
As a brand deeply rooted in its local community, Bricks & Wood celebrates diversity and inclusivity. When asked about the cultures they are currently exploring, Casey stated, “It’s difficult to pinpoint one specific culture or community because our neighborhood is so diverse. Our brand itself is not comprised of just one culture or ethnicity. We have six members in Bricks & Wood, and we come from various backgrounds, including African American, Mexican, Filipino, and Chinese. Since our founding in 2014, individuals from diverse backgrounds have joined forces to create something truly unique and impactful. We embrace all cultures and welcome connections with those who embrace us in return. We’re a Los Angeles brand, but we’ve already felt a sense of synergy during our interactions with people in Japan. We cherish these cultural exchanges.”
Looking Towards the Future
Daniela shared her personal hope for the future: “I’d be thrilled to continue collaborating with New Balance on footwear. Beyond that, we want to expand Bricks & Wood as a brand. We currently focus on menswear, but we’d love to increase our womenswear offerings and welcome new female designers to the team.”
The 1906 Utility is more than just a shoe; it’s a statement. It represents the shared vision of two brands committed to creativity, growth, and inclusivity. This collaboration embodies the power of collaboration and the beauty of cultural exchange, paving the way for exciting future endeavors.
