CONVERSE x KIM JONES. The most anticipated sneaker collab of the year surely has to be this one and style maven Heart Evangelista-Escudero and edgy content creator Ida Anduyan were all about this hot limited edition drop.
Said an elated Evangelista-Escudero, “Amazing to see Kim Jones leave his mark on the Chuck 70!” In fact, thanks to the Converse X KJ must-have, the typically ultra girly girl eagerly announced to the world on Instagram that she was “Starting my Converse sneaker collection.”
According to Anduyan, who was totally digging Jones’ utilitarian details, she referred to the pair as “The collab sneaker of 2021.”
Converse has already enjoyed some serious playtime when it comes to tag-teaming. In fact, the 112-year-old Nike-owned mega brand has announced that 2021 will see a number of fresh partnerships such as that with Telfar Clemens, Comme des Garçons Play, Off-White and Tyler, and The Creator. What has been immensely ground-breaking, however, was this recent maiden collaboration with none other than Kim Jones, the artistic director of menswear at Dior.
In an official statement put forth by Brandis Russell, VP of Global Footwear for Converse, she reiterated that the creation process is all about welcoming “new thought, new vision, new purpose, new energy and new intention.” To that, she added: “Our collaborators are always helping us to be more playful and a little less serious. You can do that and still celebrate heritage; take a new stance and hold a position.”
THE KICKS
These limited-edition KJ Chucks add throwback sneaker vibes to the iconic canvas silhouette of the revered Converse 70 high-tops. Inspired by the late ‘90s, Kim Jones elevated the Chuck 70 through a stylish utilitarian design.
Available in cream and black, these sweet kicks feature a stacked rubber heel, retro TPU cage casing while the varnished rubber overlay and speed-lace system create a simultaneously sporty yet sleek look. The finishing touches? The classic Chuck Taylor back tag and a Converse One Star embellishment. And let’s not forget the all-important “Kim Jones” emblazoned on the lip.
Said Jones of his creation: “The design approach for the shoe was very straightforward—taking a very classic shoe and then almost encasing it in something to protect it.”
JONESING FOR THE JONES TOUCH
In March 2018, the world eagerly watched to see what Kim Jones would do next when it was announced he would be joining Dior as head honcho for menswear, and where he would later show his first collection a mere three months later. Since joining Dior, another feather in his cap has been his recent appointment to Artistic Director at Fendi.
On the heels of the designer’s coveted logo-heavy Air x Dior sneaker collaboration, Jones has now left his mark on the Chuck 70. Pre-drop, explained Jones in an interview, “For my upcoming collaboration with Converse, I was really interested in the functionality of the design. And making something that was Ivy League via the ’90s and in a preppy American way with grunge elements—and exploring the reality of this, but also the functionality.”
AKIMBO x CONVERSE
Early in 2019, Akimbo, launched its first line of Converse footwear and since, the multi-brand concept store has been dishing out coveted collabs both in-store and online (akimbo.ph), as well as the most recent and much-anticipated drop: Converse x Kim Jones.
Also hot on the Akimbo market are the Converse Renew Chuck 70 Knit High Top and Knit Ox sneakers. Available in black, white, green and red, Renew is Converse’s design commitment towards a waste-less future.
Made from 75% recycled polyester and 25% nylon/spandex, the Converse Renew Chuck 70 brings stylish sustainability through an engineered knit textile that is lightweight and breathable. Add to that the sustainably-made details such as the regrind rubber foxing tape and toe cap, as well as the Ultralite Hybrid Ortholite sockliner for comfort and there you have a seriously cool shoe, from high top all the way down to toe tip.
Future-forward sustainable features aside, there will always be room on our shoe racks for the shoe that started it all: The Converse Chuck 70 Classic High Top. A go-to classic, this Converse sneaker adds a timeless touch to any outfit. A cushioned insole provides all day comfort, while a soft canvas upper insulates and protects.
Staying on the high tops, the Converse Chuck 70 Alt Exploration High Top (which comes in blue and white), draws inspiration from outdoor gear with patches of tough ripstop fabric and reinforced stitching. An elevated style icon, this particular Chuck 70 model mixes the best details from the ’70s-era Chuck with impeccable craftsmanship, premium materials and extra cushioning.
For those inclined to sneakers that don’t rise up on the ankles, the Converse CTAS 70’s Vintage Canvas certainly holds its own on fashion week runways and city streets, making it the go-to sneaker for those looking to express their style in comfort.
In the same breath, the Converse Chuck 70 Ox is a re-crafted throwback that uses modern design to celebrate the original All Star from the 1970s. Vintage details include stitching on the sidewall and a heavier-grade canvas upper for comfort and durability.
Shop your favorite Converse sneakers on Akimbo.ph and at Akimbo, Uptown Mall36th St, BGC, Taguig.
