“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."

Extra Butter took direct inspiration from the New Balance 2002R Refined Future and its "imperfect" design aesthetic to dictate the art direction for our Fall apparel collection.

The Wabi Sabi Hoodie is a midweight 350GSM brushed fleece with a custom cloud dye taking colors from the 2002R Mirage Gray. The Wabi Sabi Tees come in matching the other two 2002R colorways, with exposed seams for the "imperfect" aesthetic and mineral washed for a vintage look. We're very proud of the new Ori Trouser, taking inspiration from Japanese fits with a wide leg fit. The pant is fabricated with vintage herringbon tweed and features cargo patch pockets, elastic waistband and rope drawstring. The apparel assortment is finished off with the Zen Design and Pagoda graphics on tees, hoodies and truckers for an more casual street look.