Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY

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Rei Kawakubo’s iconic diffusion line Comme des Garçons PLAY first made its introduction to the fashion world in 2002. Comme des Garçons PLAY presents itself as a more functional and casual version of the brand’s primary line by introducing non-conforming styles that appeal to the younger generations. As the most popular and sought-after diffusion line of Comme des Garçons, the brand is most well known for its iconic bug-eyed red heart motif that is the face of the line. Comme des Garçons PLAY elevates the traditional wardrobe essentials with simplistic patterns and signature branding. Since its early beginnings, the fashion label has developed a cult following and introduced everyday styles to elevated finishes with top-quality fabrics, processes, and details.

When Converse’s legendary footwear brand was born in 1908, it initially designed its sneakers as basketball shoes. With the first mass-produced basketball shoe in North America, Converse’s sneakers featured a thick rubber sole and ankle that covered the canvas upper, providing optimal comfort and support needed while on the court. The Chuck Taylor brand’s All Star reinvented the sport of basketball with its innovative design and concepts. As Converse began to grow, the sneakers grew beyond simply a basketball shoe but became a footwear staple with young adults and musicians across the globe. By embodying the brand’s original spirit of crafting an authentic blank canvas that celebrates the confluence of sports and fashion, Converse has established itself as one of the most popular sneaker brands of all time.

In 2009, an essential stance in the fashion industry was made when these two brands collided and introduced the Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY Chuck Taylor All Star. As a precursor to the instant Chuck 70 classic, which will later be released in 2015, the sneaker staple is more than just a red heart on a canvas sneaker. This minimalist yet elevated silhouette has shaped contemporary fashion for future generations to come. As one of the most influential sneakers in fashion, this new footwear introduction broke into sneaker culture forcefully and has created one of the longest and strongest ongoing partnerships between two fashion brands. The collaboration between Converse and Comme des Garçons PLAY has spawned countless variations of the Chuck Taylor, including high and low-cut variations of different shades of the Chuck 70s with the signature red heart at the side panel. By representing the intersection of fashion and sneakers, these collaborative silhouettes have upgraded the definition of sneakers and are a true testament to both brands’ influence.

With the Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY All Star Chuck ‘70 OX,’ this elevated sneaker classic’s primary spotlight is the screen-printed imagery of the classic bug-eyed red heart motif designed by graphic artist Filip Pagowski and Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo. The sneaker features a black canvas upper, while the oversized red heart graphic printed at the quarter panel is placed broadly and cut off at the vulcanized midsole. Also included within this distinct design is the rubber toe cap and traditional 1970s vulcanized rubber outsole. The traditional full-lace closure offers security, while both brands can see classic branding within the sneaker’s comfortable insole. Exposed stitching emphasizes the elevated sneaker, completing the overall aesthetic. This footwear staple upgrades any sneaker collection along with any outfit.

Grab a closer look at the latest colorways of the Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY at all retail locations + online. To shop the latest arrivals, click here.