On his way to becoming one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Jean-Michel Basquiat broke the barrier between street art and the art establishment.

Converse brings the barrier-breaking work of Jean-Michel Basquiat back to the street. The collaboration translates some of his most influential pieces to new clothing, customizable Chucks and Converse classics—highlighting the signature crown motif throughout the collection. The Skidgrip, Chuck 70 and Chuck Taylor All Star canvasses become a street-ready gallery for some of the most transformative works in modern history. A new generation is ready to wear the crown.

The details (Chuck 70):

The street-inspired visuals of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Kings of Egypt III translated on the premium Chuck 70 canvas. Converse celebrates the street-inspired work of Jean-Michel Basquiat. The collaboration translates some of his most influential pieces to the canvasses of Converse classics, including this iteration of Kings of Egypt III on the premium Chuck 70. The design uses a digital print and embroidery details to recreate the artwork, which features signature Basquiat elements like the abstract face, cryptic type and crown motif. Suede overlays and a tonal patch elevate the look but keep the focus on the art:

• High-top sneaker
• Black poly canvas upper with digital print of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Kings of Egypt III
• Stylish suede overlays
• All-black tonal ankle patch
• Embroidery details on lateral sides

The details (Skidgrip):

The explosive visuals of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Kings of Egypt II translated on the archival Skidgrip canvas. The collaboration translates some of his most influential pieces to the canvasses of Converse classics, including this iteration of Kings of Egypt II on the Skidgrip. The explosion of abstract text and distorted iconography pops off the archival canvas, creating a vibrant visual language that’s influenced by Egyptian history but firmly rooted in street culture:

• Low-top sneaker
• Black poly canvas upper with sublimation print of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Kings of Egypt II
• Basquiat logo printed on tongue and license plate

The details (Chuck Taylor All Star-All Sizes):

The instantly recognizable dinosaur and crown imagery of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Pez Dispenser translated on classic Chucks. The collaboration translates some of his most influential pieces to the canvasses of Converse classics, including this iteration of the iconic Pez Dispenser on the Chuck Taylor All Star. The artwork’s instantly recognizable dinosaur and crown visual is adhered to clean black canvas through stitched-down applique. One of the most iconic pieces in modern history returns to the street on classic Chucks. A new generation is ready to wear the crown:

• High-top sneaker
• Canvas upper
• Stitched-down applique canvas with screen-printed Pez Dispenser graphic
• Chuck Taylor All Star patch with edge detailing
• CK mesh lining
• Basquiat logo printed sockliner
• Custom star detail on license plate

The details (Pez Dispenser T-Shirt):

The collaboration translates some of his most influential pieces to Converse gear, including this iteration of the iconic Pez Dispenser on a soft cotton jersey t-shirt. The artwork’s instantly recognizable dinosaur and crown visual on the front and crown motif on the back are both printed in rubber ink. One of the most iconic pieces in modern history returns to the street:

• Cotton jersey t-shirt
• 185 GSM cotton
• Classic fit
• Rubber ink screen printed graphic of Jean-Michel Basquait’s Pez Dispenser
• Rubber ink screen printed crown on back
• Converse x Basquiat lockup on sleeve

The details (Kings of Egypt III T-Shirt):

The collaboration translates some of his most influential pieces to Converse gear, including this iteration of Kings of Egypt III on a midweight rugby-style t-shirt. The design uses rubber ink and puff screen printed graphics to recreate the artwork, which features signature Basquiat elements like the abstract face, cryptic type and crown motif:

• Cotton rugby jersey t-shirt
• 250 GSM cotton
• Oversized block fit
• Mix of rubber ink and puff screen printed graphic of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Kings of Egypt III
• Converse x Basquiat lockup on sleeve

The details (Fleece Pullover Crew):

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s World Famous print translated to a heavyweight fleece sweatshirt. The collaboration translates some of his most influential pieces to Converse gear, including this iteration of World Famous on a heavyweight fleece sweatshirt. The iconic print appears in large type down the entire back of the sweatshirt, and the signature crown motif is printed on the front:

• Fleece crew sweatshirt
• 465 GSM cotton
• Classic crew fit
• Rubber ink screen-printed graphic of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s World Famous on back
• Rubber ink screen-printed graphic of signature crown on front
• Converse x Basquiat lockup on sleeve

The Converse x Basquiat will launch online at www.converse.co.za, Converse Sandton City and Shelflife from Thursday, 16  September 2021.

Price Range

Skid Grip: R1 299.95

Chuck 70s: R1 599.95

Chuck Taylor All Stars: R649.95- R1 099.95

Graphic Tees: R449.95- R549.95

Fleece Pullover: R999.95

For more Hi-res Imagery: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/m91ujq1zv1af9ad/AABUEBRsrIWQPgpVooKK11fwa?dl=0

About Converse
Converse Inc., based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”TM and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including lifestyle men's, women's and children’s footwear, apparel and accessories and is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries. For more information, please visit media.converse.com and follow @converse.za

Media Contact:
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