Back in September we told you that New Balance was collaborating with snowboard company 686 to create a winter collection including boots, footwear, outerwear, and accessories.  Last night, New Balance and 686 celebrated the onset of cool weather with the East Coast launch party for this collaboration: the 686 Times New Balance Collection, which was held at renowned sneaker store, Concepts, in Cambridge MA.  More than 100 guests showed up for the celebration, including some key players from 686 and New Balance.

more pics and info on the collab after the jump

ABOUT THE COLLECTION:

At the forefront of the 686 X New Balance collection is the 580 Times New Balance Snowboard Boot. The boot combines proprietary New Balance patented technologies including Rollbar® stability and Abzorb® cushioning along with 686 BOA® FOCUS system and Recco® avalanche technology. The result is a fully functional, technically advanced snowboard boot with a sneaker-like fit.

To compliment the 686 X New Balance collection, we have customized one of our most celebrated silhouettes- the 580 – with Times collection colors and materials for off-mountain wear.

From its origins in the mid 90’s as a trail running sneaker, to the special modern day partnerships between iconic Japanese brands, the 580 has become a global object of obsession. The 580 Times New Balance Sneaker features timeless design qualities, premium materials and technological footwear advances in footwear.

While the 580 has a storied past, the special 686 models boast contemporary materials for clean styling and reliable comfort and fit. It is this combination of classic heritage and modern function that rests at the core of the 686/New Balance partnership.

The 686 X New Balance collection will also include: 575 Times Insulated Jacket featuring Infidry® dry technology, DWR durable water repellency and Recco® avalanche rescue system technology; 580 Times 3-Ply Jacket with fully taped 3-ply seams, water resistant technology and Recco® avalanche rescue system technology; 580 Times New Era Hat; Gradient Times Zip Hoody, Gradient Times T-shirt and Sole Times T-shirt.

The 580 Times Snowboard boot will be retailing for $300 and the 580s are retailing for $100.

K2 Snowboarding and Original Penguin are teaming up for Winter 09-10 to create a high-end all terrain freestyle snowboard, boot and binding. The partnership marries K2’s technology and Original Penguin’s unique style to provide winter athletes with an eye-catching look on the snow. Original Penguin’s quirky-traditional take on fashion and K2’s high-performance technology will be literalized on the mountain, creating a combination unlike anything else.

More pictures after the JUUUMP…

The 580 Undefeated Collection features three distinct looks, all built on the 580 silhouette. The collection features camouflage linings and insert, mid-sole graphics representative of barbed wire and a tongue label imagined from the tag of a military uniform.  The collection includes three metallic colorways: gold, silver and black. Each shoe is constructed of premium perforated leather and features signature red laces and custom UNDFTD lace lock.

The New Balance 580 Undefeated Collection will launch this Saturday, April 25th at Undefeated stores exclusively!  Also, to go along with this launch there will be “Full Metallic Jacket Tshirts” available for sale at Undefeated stores.  More images of the 580 Collection and photos of the Full Metallic Jacket Tees after the jump.

The Imaginary Foundation is a think tank from Switzerland that does experimental research on new ways of thinking and the power of the imagination. They hold dear a belief in human potential and seek progress in all directions. The small clandestine team is headed up by the mysterious “Director,” a 70-something uber intellectual whose father founded the Dadaist movement. Avoiding direct publicity, the team has sought streetwear as an unlikely vehicle for bringing their ideas beyond the academic realm and into popular culture.

Man, I dig these kinds of graphics. Is it hitting you yet? Wait, is the Imaginary Foundation real or imaginary? Oh, whoa. What is reality?