In partnership with New Balance
What is it that makes a classic a classic? Is it a certain timeless quality? An unexplainable je-ne-sais-quoi? Perhaps it’s a particular type of versatility, or an emphasis on craftsmanship, that lends to an item’s ability to transcend trends and live on in our wardrobes, reinvented time and again throughout the seasons of our lives.
New Balance have long been purveyors of classic shoes – from the 550 ‘Basketball Oxford’ (designed by footwear legend Steven Smith in the 1980s), to perhaps its most iconic and referenced shoe, the New Balance 574 – the brand is not new to creating silhouettes that encapsulate that effervescent feeling of stylishness.
First introduced in 2022, the creation of the New Balance 9060 shoe is at once an astute reference to the brand’s heritage – and the 990 series designs it stands on the shoulders of – and an innovative nod to the future. Aesthetically, the 9060 draws from Y2K-era visible tech elements, melded together with proudly futuristic components, like scaled-up and sculpted midsoles. Now available in two new colour ways (Quartz grey with team cream and sea salt and Driftwood with stone pink and sea salt) the revolutionary design speaks at once to the already-devout New Balance wearer and to the next generation; an exercise in retrofuturism that has propelled the new silhouette’s popularity.
Here, model Camelia Farhoodi takes us through what makes a wardrobe item a classic, whether she looks to the past or the future for inspiration, and how she styles the future classic shoe, the New Balance 9060s.
Left: NEW BALANCE jacket, bra, pants, shoes and socks. Right: NEW BALANCE shorts, shoes and socks.
In your opinion, what makes a wardrobe item a classic?
A classic is something that you can style into 10 different outfits. Something that isn’t too flashy – it’s simple yet interesting!
How would you describe your personal style?
A classic combination of masculine and feminine. At the moment my style feels dark, mysterious, comfortable yet chic. I love experimenting with new pieces, but always keep the core the same.
Left: NEW BALANCE dress, shoes and socks; EDWARD CUMING jumper from Chinatown Country Club. Right: NEW BALANCE top and pants.
How would you describe your approach to styling the New Balance 9060s?
The 9060s feel like a classic, and a classic piece can be styled with anything. Sneakers are the new stilettos. I could style them with a dress, jeans, or even activewear, and I know they’d look cute.
The New Balance 9060s are inspired by Y2K sensibilities, but designed for the future. Do you consider yourself to be more of a futurist or a nostalgic?
I’d say I’m both. At the moment however, I’m probably more on the nostalgic side – I’m loving my vintage pieces and I love incorporating something more current with it to make it feel new and fresh.
Left: NEW BALANCE top, shoes and socks; OTTOLINGER jeans from Chinatown Country Club. Right: Y/PROJECT bodysuit from Parlour X; NEW BALANCE shorts, shoes and socks.
What are some other Y2K trends you’d like to see brought back or given a contemporary makeover?
I think I’d love to see new sunglass brands creating older styles. The cute small framed sunglasses that we all look for in vintage Gucci, Chanel and Fendi. Bring them back!
What’s most important to you when investing in a pair of sneakers?
Am I comfortable? Do I feel chic? Do I feel confident? I apply this to basically every piece in my wardrobe, and we all should be!
Left: KIJUN top from Chinatown Country Club; NEW BALANCE leggings, shoes and socks. Right: Y/PROJECT bodysuit from Parlour X; OUR LEGACY jeans from Chinatown Country Club; NEW BALANCE shoes and socks.
The New Balance 9060s are now available in two new colour ways, Quartz grey with team cream and sea salt and Driftwood with stone pink and sea salt, at newbalance.com.au.
PHOTOGRAPHY Ellen Virgona
FASHION Charlotte Agnew
TALENT Camelia Farhoodi
STYLIST'S ASSISTANT Claire Hart
VIDEOGRAPHER Olivia Repaci
