CONVERSE AND UNDEFEATED LAUNCH SUMMER 2012

CONVERSE AND UNDEFEATED LAUNCH SUMMER 2012
UNDEFEATED FOR CONVERSE JACK PURCELL COLLECTION

CONVERSE Inc. announces the launch of the all-new Undefeated for Converse Jack Purcell Collection for Summer 2012 – the first time Undefeated has collaborated with Converse on the Jack Purcell shoe. Specialty retailer Undefeated is globally recognized for its sport inspired identity and attitude and worked closely with Converse to create a Converse First String, limited-edition summertime Jack Purcell collection.

“We are excited to collaborate with Undefeated for the first time on the Jack Purcell shoe. The Jack Purcell began as a humble badminton shoe, yet it has evolved to symbolize confidence, wit and style— likewise, Undefeated is rooted in sport and has come to represent its own brand of smart, refined street style that is recognized globally,” says Magnus Wedhammar, General Manager Footwear, Converse.

An American classic, the Jack Purcell shoe came on the scene a little over 75 years-ago and quickly became a court and campus classic. Soon after, young rebels of 1950s Hollywood cemented the shoe as an icon of style. For the Summer 2012 Undefeated for Converse Jack Purcell collection, Undefeated made subtle design changes to the iconic shoe, beginning with the addition of stylishly simple red and navy racing stripes to their rubber rands to give the shoes a sporty, classic Converse look and feel. Undefeated leaves the signature Jack Purcell toe-smile intact and adds summery terrycloth to the lining and foot beds, and a subtle Undefeated branded heel pull-tab to the heel. The collection features three colors of the iconic silhouette with understated styling and just the right amount of Undefeated attitude.

“Converse’s heritage is the inspiration for these shoes,” says James Bond and Eddie Cruz, co-founders of Undefeated. “We were excited to work with Converse again and the Jack Purcell model for the first time. We wanted to honor the original with minimal details to give them just a touch of Undefeated attitude.”

Converse First String is a limited-edition collection that celebrates craftsmanship, authenticity and collaboration at the highest level. The Undefeated for Converse Jack Purcell collection will be available in limited quantities, beginning on May 25, 2012 at Undefeated stores and select Converse First String retailers globally. The collection offerings include the shoe in black, white or red canvas uppers, with the red version available exclusively from Footpatrol London.

Converse AW 12/13 press preview

  The converse Press Preview is always one I look forward... presented at Converse HQ and set in great surroundings, fashion folk browse the AW 12 collections..... which include the Pro, Jack Purcell, Boots and hiking and skate collections.... Check out my snaps and stay tuned for more from Converse including upcoming collaborations....

CONVERSE LAUNCHES COLLABORATION WITH MASAFUMI WATANABE

CONVERSE LAUNCHES COLLABORATION WITH
MASAFUMI WATANABE


Converse Inc. launches the Masafumi Watanabe for Converse Jack Purcell Johnny shoe. Founder of the influential label Bedwin and the Heartbreakers, Watanabe is one of Japan’s most influential designers and an innovator of a contemporary, tailored, street-wear aesthetic. His fresh take on classic American apparel, makes his collaboration using the iconic Jack Purcell Johnny shoe a natural fit.

“The Jack Purcell shoe has the essence of refinement and rebelliousness at the same time. Similarly, Watanabe is known for sophisticated classics with a street-smart, contemporary twist. These shoes are a great showcase of the sensibilities both labels share, says Ian Ginoza, Converse Director of First String and Special Projects.







The Jack Purcell debuted over 75 years ago and today has confirmed its lasting place in American style. Watanabe’s version of the Jack Purcell Johnny shoe takes inspiration from its history and classic roots, yet with a rugged touch designed for modern streets. Reimagining the iconic Jack Purcell Johnny as an outdoors-inspired, water-resistant shoe, Watanabe merges its classic styling with rugged detailing commonly found on duck boots. The shoe features an orange-brown leather collar and vulcanized, monochromatic, dark-brown rubber uppers with the iconic Jack Purcell Johnny detailing embossed on the side. The familiar Jack Purcell toe-smile receives a color-corresponding accent in dark-brown rubber and a semi-transparent, gum-rubber sole rounds out the shoe’s simple, yet handsome elements. The shoe comes with a standard-lace or a boot-lace option and features the Masafumi Watanabe label on the shoe’s foot bed.

“It's a huge honor for me to work with Converse. I grew up wearing Converse Jack Purcell shoes and still wear them whether I am at my office or walking the streets of Tokyo. I see the Jack Purcell shoe as an icon of American style and pop-culture and wanted to blend their simple elegance with a roughness fit for an urban lifestyle,” says Masafumi Watanabe.









Converse First String is a limited-edition collection that celebrates craftsmanship, authenticity and innovation at the highest level and includes select collaborations with inspiring creatives from a wide array of disciplines and backgrounds. Only 450 pairs of the Masafumi Watanabe for Converse Jack Purcell Johnny shoe will be available globally beginning on February 4, 2012 at Converse First String Retailers worldwide (UK includes- Foot Patrol, End Clothing, Hanon, Denham).

All shoes will be available in unisex sizing 8 – 13.



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