Earlier this year, Converse announced several collaborations lined up for 2021 including Off-White, Tyler the Creator, Telfar, and Kim Jones. One of the most anticipated collections is Converse's design synergy with designer du jour Kim Jones.
Kim, who currently helms the creative direction at Dior Homme and Fendi women's, has been fashion's go-to innovator injecting elaborate traditional design elements with modern street art into seasonal collections. Supreme, KAWS, Daniel Arsham, Jordan Brand, and Stephan Stussy are just a few of the names Kim has shared his vision with for both fashion houses.
This time, the prolific designer debuts a Converse collection taking its "cues from streetwear and sportswear of years past, for a contemporary head-to-toe collection with the Chuck 70 at the center." Inspired by contemporary streetwear and '90s style, the collaboration features classic pieces of American sportswear mixed with utilitarian elements.
“There was an aesthetic that really interested me. It was all the same nerdy things that made people that like the kind of clothes we like see the value,” says Kim in a statement. “I looked at the Japanese designers readapting American sportswear—recreating that '50s and '60s look. Obviously, Converse was the key shoe within all that stuff. Now, I'm just putting it all together in a different way.”
Adding a transparent TPU cage to the canvas upper and elongating the curved rubber sole, Kim delves into an illusionary effect for the Converse Chuck 70. The limited-edition footwear takes two colorways—all-white and black with white—with visible Kim Jones branding on the sockliner and tongue.
The Converse x Kim Jones collection also features four garments including a parka, crewneck sweatshirt, cargo pants, and t-shirts. “There's an easy look to each of the pieces,” says Kim. “I wanted each to be a modern version of the ‘Take Ivy’ vibe.”
The collection will be available soon at Converse Power Plant Mall, Akimbo, and Commonwealth stores.