Converse Chucks are among the most famous shoes ever.
Although there has always been at least one pair of the cult sneakers in my shoe cabinet, I've never been a big fan. But that has changed since I owned a pair from the cooperation with the Japanese fashion label Comme des Garçons.
It was love at second sight, but now the shoes are my daily companions.
What makes it so special to me?
You're casual without looking sloppy.
A playful yet luxurious interpretation of an everyday classic - or: a sneaker in retro style with a touch of haute couture.
Aylin Guler
Editor for social media.
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The famous collaboration between Converse and Comme des Garçons is the result of the combination of the know-how of a hundred-year-old American shoe manufacturer and the design of the renowned Japanese fashion house with a red heart.
The two brands have been working together for more than twelve years.
The cooperation was enthusiastically received.
In 2015, Comme des Garçons redesigned the Chuck Taylor 70s together with Converse.
The long-standing collaboration between the brands is one of the strongest partnerships in the sneaker industry - and has now produced countless variations of Chuck Taylor: whether with polka dots, with a huge range of colors or with high and low-top models.
Know how to take an opportunity
Each pair of Comme des Garçons x Converse Chucks is made with a full canvas upper and adorned with Comme des Garçons Play's signature heart motif that peers over the edge of the midsole. The black pairs have white contrasting seams, the white ones retain the light tone value. Both are connected by white shoelaces, reverse colored heel straps, toe and midsole tones, and rubber soles.
Converse and Comme des Garçons love to exchange ideas and work with other brands and other worlds: Supreme, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Nike, Vans or Gucci. The Japanese brand plays with different ranges in order to attract partners and customers from all over the world. Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo plays an important role in this, because she is more than a talented designer: As a successful entrepreneur, she knows how to take advantage of her opportunities. Incidentally, the sub-label Play CdG was founded in 2002 and is characterized by the iconic heart motif designed by the New York graphic designer Filip Pagowski. The focus is on streetwear: T-shirts, hoodies, cardigans, sweatshirts and the chucks are decorated with the unmistakable heart logo.
Converse Chucks were designed as a basketball shoe by Marquis Mills Converse in 1917. It is one of the first sneakers that lived up to its name as "Schleicher" thanks to the rubber sole that was innovative at the time. Today you wear it on a stroll through Paris, on a bike tour through Berlin or on your way to the office. Suitable for this? Actually everything. But above all trench coats, cotton sweaters, straight leg jeans and oversize shirts. The Converse Chuck x Comme des Garçons Play often sells out in stores and stocks do not replenish as quickly as other models. If you do get hold of a pair, remember that the shoe is at least half a size larger - similar to the classic Chucks models. Good luck with searching!