Why Every Fashion Enthusiast Must Know Teddy Santis

Teddy Santis is a beautiful example of the American Dream. After his parents immigrated to the U.S. from Greece, he was taught from a young age to forge his own path with hard work and dedication. This healthy and productive work ethic would allow him to launch his streetwear label and begin a lucrative and flourishing partnership. 

Regardless of your personal style, you won’t struggle to find a pair of New Balance shoes that can be effortlessly incorporated into your everyday wardrobe. This allows you to experience and enjoy the creative works of two dynamic and iconic brands. 

Who is Teddy Santis? 

Teddy Santis, a New York-based designer, is the founder and creative director of the menswear line Aimé Leon Dore, or ALD. The brand, which features stylish clothing pieces drenched in nostalgia, has inked lucrative partnerships with Clarks, Suicoke, and New Balance and gained a vital investment from LVMH Ventures in January 2022. 

The brand’s iconic 1990 New York aesthetic has catapulted it to the top of the list for streetwear devotees, with its Nolita flagship becoming a pilgrimage site for all fashion enthusiasts. Recently, the company expanded its horizons by opening its first international store in London, signaling its ambitious growth plans. 

The designer founded his iconic brand in 2014, best described as a minimalist take that combines classic American style with contemporary European flair. Santis took inspiration from his Greek heritage to design simple and timeless garments made from high-quality, luxurious materials that build a varied collection of staple wardrobe pieces. 

Thanks to steady growth and innovative designs, the global footwear brand New Balance approached him in the hope of establishing a long-term partnership. The continued collaborations between Aimé Leon Dore and New Balance have been nothing short of a success story, showcasing the power of partnership in the industry. Both brands have combined their unique strengths to design and create an incredibly stylish and highly functional collection of sneakers.

New Balance 

Once considered the quintessential ‘dad shoe,’ New Balance sneakers have soared in popularity over recent years, cementing themselves as a footwear option that works for everyone. The brand initially dates back to 1906. However, the first New Balance shoe, the Trackster, was only created in 1961 after many athletes vocalized their desire for extended sneaker options that offered sturdy arch support and strong traction while moving at pace. 

It took until 1972 for the company to cement itself as a top contender in the sneaker world. By 1976, Runner's World Magazine declared it the top running shoe. Its lightweight design and superior support made it the top choice for dozens of athletic partnerships. 

In 1982, the brand released the New Balance 990, the most expensive running shoe on the market at the time. Owning a pair became a status symbol in D.C street culture, allowing the brand to break into the fashion industry, growing in popularity through the 90s and 2000s. 

New Balance didn't have the same name recognition as brands like Adidas and Nike, but it still held a significant presence in rap and hip-hop culture. In recent years, it has collaborated with big-name brands, including J. Crew, Teddy Santis, and Ronnie Fieg, with top celebrities and designers helping to solidify its place in fashion. 

A Blossoming Relationship

What started as a collaboration between Teddy Santis and New Balance evolved into a full-blown partnership, which included Teddy Santis being named the Creative Director of the New Balance Made in USA line. 

2019

Santis’ relationship with New Balance started in 2019 when the footwear brand approached the dynamic designers to design and release a collection together. The Aimé Leon Dore X New Balance 990 was a highly anticipated drop that was well-received by sneakerheads thanks to the vibrant colors, which perfectly pair with the trademark tonal grey. 

His first collection showed Santis's incredible ability to balance colors with refined finishes to create sneakers perfectly suited for any wardrobe. As the year ended, Santis released a follow-up drop of the 990, offering two colorways in complementary shades of heather grey, washed navy, and emerald, with hints of vibrant yellow. 

2020

At the beginning of 2020, it was clear that Santis had found his stride with New Balance. He released another sneaker collection that showcased a brand-new silhouette. The 827 Abzorb was released in three unique colorways, elevating the classic primary shades in creative and clever ways. 

Mid-2020 saw Santis release another pair of classic New Balance sneakers in two color options. The 1300 sneakers featured monochromatic suede uppers with an aged midsole, white laces, and the iconic New Balance branding. 

As the year came to an end, Aimé Leon Dore X New Balance released the P550 Basketball Oxford as the third and final drop for the year. The release saw a noticeable shift for both brands, with the classic designs of New Balance sneakers receiving a much-needed revival. 

2021

Just two years after their first collaboration, Teddy Santis was announced as the new creative director for New Balance Made in USA. This particular subdivision of the brand focuses on New Balance’s American heritage, which delivers premium sneakers and quality designs. 

Building on the success of the P550 drop from the previous year, Santis made his first release in his new position a follow-on collection of the Basketball Oxfords featuring four new color combinations with an aged finish incorporating the vintage trademark of Santis’ brand. 

Fast-forward to 2024, and New Balance Made in USA., has kicked off the spring season by releasing a fresh collection of classic New Balance grey shoes beautifully layered with vibrant summer shades. But that is just the start. Santis and New Balance have teased fans with new colorways of the iconic 990 sneakers, leaving sneaker fanatics patiently waiting for the newest drop later this year.