PONY first approached me about a year and a half ago. Although I used to work with PONY back when I was the head buyer for David Z, I never knew the brand name was an acronym for “Product of New York." I had begun work on our forthcoming “New York Natives” Collection around this time, so being able to incorporate a New York-based product seemed like a perfect fit. They showed me a book that was a comprehensive archive of past and present silhouettes. Sifting through I saw one that piqued my interest - the M-110. I was caught by its OG colorway, which was a vibrant Miami Dolphins makeup. I closed the book without sharing which model I had mentally chosen, and asked them how they felt in regards to unarchiving a silhouette that would be exclusive to a collaboration between us. They were instantly receptive, which is when I shared my fondness for the M-110. They explained how Dan Marino was a PONY signature athlete during the late ‘80s, so a lot of colorways were rooted in a Dolphins-esque makeup.

I wanted to offer a completely different aesthetic than the OG to show the versatility of the silhouette. I strayed from tropical hues, and sought to use a very luxe palette. Upon receiving the first sample, I was hooked. The shape, and how sturdy it was really impressed me. I remember when I was growing up, a shoe’s value was judged by its weight. If it was heavy, it was quality. When I felt the weight and saw how vintage the silhouette was, I knew we had something special.

The sneaker is made from a thick red Italian leather with a tasteful snakeskin-deboss pattern seen at the PONY quarter panel logos and heel panel. The lateral collar features “Fieg”-branding hits in the same font as the OG PONY logo, which is located on the medial collar. “RF”-branding is also located on the tongue. The liner is made from a white calfskin leather, as are the custom-printed insoles. Fitting with the leather agenda, I chose tonal leather laces as the primary option, which really solidifies the entire appearance.

With how many collaborations release today, it is easy to get lost in the mix. Something I feel separates myself from the majority is attention to detail. This sneaker is accompanied by two additional lace options (tonal waxed and cotton), custom packaging, a custom calfskin leather dust bag, as well as custom engraved wooden shoe trees and shoe horn. What you buy is more than the shoe, its the entire package. I firmly believe that priced at $220 USD, we are offering a value that no one else in the industry is. No corners were cut, no aspects were left wanting. Everything matters. A very limited run of 500 pairs was created, each individually numbered on the white liner.