In the early years of the 1900s, Marquis Mills Converse started developing his rubber company in Malden, Massachusetts. His portfolio consisted of many rubber products and in 1916, he would add footwear to his line-up. The All-Star was then born and offered a new silhouette that can be worn on and off the court. The sneaker’s popularity grew over time with new renditions including the inimitable Chuck 70. Taking cues from the original, the 70 featured more modern elements including a premium double-ply canvas, an off-white overlay at the toe box, and extra cushioning within the insole for optimal arch support and stability. This shoe became an instant favorite as it offered the classic styling of the All-Star with durable touches. The basketball sneaker would transition itself into streetwear and fashion communities as many sub-cultures started adapting its style for everyday outfits. Rockstars including The Ramones, The Clash, and Pink Floyd would champion the shoes and popular films like Grease (1978) and Rocky (1976) would utilize the sneaker.

The versatility and premium design found within the Chuck 70 became a popular shoe for collaborations. Brands including Off-White, AMBUSH, and Undercover would get their chance at remodeling the sneaker but the most coveted design to date would be the Comme des Garçons PLAY silhouette. Converse approached fashion designer Rei Kawakubo on a project that combined her unconventional style with the iconic sneaker. Kawakubo decided her PLAY line would work the best with the collaboration as this collection offered more casual and modern designs. 

The sneaker debuted in 2009 and stuck true to its predecessor with one unique attribute: PLAY’s signature heart and eye motif. The clothing line is well-known for its heart emblem and the Chuck 70 draws emphasis on its distinct logo. High and low cut variants were introduced along with different versions of the heart and eyes. Over ten years later, the partnership is one of the longest and most consistent footwear collaborations to date. The retro trainer is given a taste of high fashion, a style desired by all markets. 

Converse and Comme des Garçons PLAY continues to produce the classic silhouette with subtle touches. The ‘Multi Heart’ and ‘Polka Dot’ are just a couple of the popular variations along with an introduction of unique colorways. Featured hues include Khaki, Off-White, Strawberry Pink, and more. Recently the duo rumored the release of two new colorways titled ‘Steel Grey’ and ‘Blue Quartz.’ The PLAY Converse has become a timeless staple that can be easily added to anyone’s footwear collection.