Into the 6ix: New Kith Flagship Store Opens in Toronto with a new pack of New Balance 1700s
To coincide with the grand opening of its new flagship store in Toronto, Kith has unveiled a pair of New Balance 1700 sneakers that draw inspiration from the city.
The brand has been subtly leaving clues about the upcoming Toronto store for a while now. Remember the Kith Treats t-shirt showcasing current and forthcoming retail locations, including Toronto? And let's pay attention to the X-Men comic from their recent collaboration, which even included a layout of the Toronto store on the back. If these hints don't clearly announce the arrival of Kith in Toronto, it's hard to imagine what would.
Kith Torontoemerges as a two-story retail spot, designed with Kith's signature clean, modern look as seen at its other locations. For Kith Toronto, green marble meets light wood, while white, blue and brown hues strike elsewhere.
Both versions of the Toronto-inspired sneaker sneaker sport a combination of red and white, with one essentially being the opposite. The upper features premium pigskin leather in both variations and the only brand representation comes in the form of a Kith logo on the heel. Choosing between the two colour schemes essentially comes down to which colour takes the lead. The "Rococco Red" version is primarily red with off-white details, whereas the "Marshmallow" edition is predominantly off-white with red accents.
Kith has a customary practice of crafting exclusive shoe releases to mark the inauguration of a new store. In March, the debut of a fresh outlet in Brooklyn's Williamsburg district saw a unique three-way collaboration with Clarks and Adidas, resulting in a trio of Sambas equipped with a crepe sole. Likewise, the opening of a brand-new store in Miami during the same month introduced an Asics Gell Lyte 3, treated to a vibrant "Remastered Super Yellow" makeover. Simultaneously, Kith Beverly Hills in Los Angeles celebrated its March launch with the release of the Asics Gel-Lyte 3 "Remastered Super Orange" edition. In total, Kith now has 13 stores in four countries.
It also maintains three dedicated spaces inside New York City and London department stores. Kith's commitment to innovation in retail experiences is evident in its continued expansion and experimentation. The brand has launched pop-up shops in major cities, each with a unique theme and design. Notable examples include Kith's takeover of Bergdorf Goodman's men's store in 2018 and its cereal-themed pop-up in Paris.
The history of Kith stores is a testament to the vision and creativity of Ronnie Fieg. What began as a modest sneaker shop in Brooklyn has grown into a global phenomenon. Kith's ability to blend streetwear with high fashion, its commitment to collaborations, and its innovative retail concepts have made it a powerhouse in the fashion industry. As Kith continues to evolve and expand its reach, one can only anticipate what exciting developments lie ahead for this iconic brand.