The 100 year celebration for Converse continues with a handful of upcoming releases set to drop in August. Ranging from the marquee Chuck Taylor All Star and Jack Purcell, other lesser seen...

Over the past weekend, Converse held an event in celebration of 1HUND(RED) Artists at Canvas in Malibu. The event showcased the original artworks and final products of 19 of the 100...

For their 100th anniversary Converse has put a spin on two classics to bring us the "Leather Jacket" as part of their Century Collection. The Chuck Taylor is used as the silhouette for these kicks inspired by old-school leather motor-cycle jackets. The details of these patchwork kicks include black anodized zippers, embossed Converse All-Star logo, two distinctly styled tongues and and waxed covered laces. These slick leather kicks will be available at select global retailers in July. Source: Sneaker Freaker

One can't imagine what sort of memorabilia and products are associated with a brand with 100 years of history like Converse. As 2008 marks their centennial year, Converse's New York office has been transformed into a time capsule as eras along the way are documented via pictures and Converse artifacts. Although there's little chance to ever hit up the Converse office, the mini-exhibition is interesting nonetheless. Source: Marcus Troy

As part of their ongoing Century Celebration, Converse brought together some major players in the music industry to create a new soundtrack called "My Drive Thru." The collaborating artists includes Pharrell Williams, N.E.R.D, Santogold, and Julian Casablancas. The track will be released on Tuesday, June 10th, and will be available for free download on converse.com and other authorized Converse websites. The three artists also collaborated on a music video that will be released during the summer.

Converse is introducing a collection of premium footwear for Fall 2008 as part of their 100th anniversary celebration. With deep roots and great influence on sports, music, and pop culture, the collection makes references ranging from secret geometry to electronic music, honoring the genres and movements in music. The collection will include Chuck Taylor All Star, All Star Light, Chuck Taylor All Star, Electronic Music, Grateful Dead, Jack Purcell Specialty, Odessa, Wave Trainer, Extensions, and Converse by John Varvatos Bosey Boots. Definitely a very strong lineup to look forward to.

Converse debuts the second 1HUND(RED) Artists collection for Fall/Winter 2008, a year-long global curation project designed to further Converse's support for the (RED) campaign. The F/W collection will draw inspirations from cultures all around the globe including Africa, Brazil, Japan, Norway, and US with various artists such as Brooklyn based artist, Michael Schall, to African designer, Warwick Kay. Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists will unveil a total of 100 designs, each with unique styling and a number located inside the shoe that identifies the artist who created that specific shoe. Converse will also debut the African Canvas collection of Chuck Taylor All Star shoes produced with canvas made in Africa. The iconic Chuck Taylor All Star shoe comes in the usual black and red canvas emblazoned with a tribal "X" pattern on the heel stripe, signifying that they are made of this special canvas. These shoes will be available in June at specialty retailers and Converse online store.

Converse has released a new collection of Chuck Taylor All-Stars as part of their 100th anniversary re-visitation of some of the brands most prolific models of the past. Some of the models are not exact representations but rather homages to their earlier predecessors. The models include the Gachapin (1989 Conasaur Collection), Glam (1984 Fashion All Stars), Zebra In Dark (1987 Glow in the Dark) and the All Star SB (1991 Canvas All Star Specialty Collection). All the All Stars seen here will release in July. Source: Converse Japan

Since 1917 to the present day, Converse has witnessed numerous cultural revolutions. From the popularity of Negro League teams in the 20s and 30s to being a mainstay in the Rock & Roll and basketball scene, Converse has held down a solid presence across various arenas. More then 30 years ago, basketball received a boost to free itself from its then stagnation. Short shorts, knee high socks, big hair and the Converse Pro Leather would become a uniform for style and innovation on the courts. To commemorate the Pro Leather's place in basketball and Converse history, the brand has reissued a perfect 1976 replica of the original in five different styles in low and high top versions. Alongside the sneakers are a pack of complimentary items including the aforementioned knee high socks, sunglasses and vintage wash t-shirt.

Japanese brand, Wacko Maria, is gaining momentum and keeps expanding its product line with a collaboration on Converse's Chuck Taylor High. Founded by Japanese soccer players Keiji Ishizuka and Atsuhiko Mori, Wacko Mario aims to create high quality products, inspired by their friends, movies, music, and women. These Chuck Taylors are simple but effective with Wacko Maria's signature skull embroidered on the side and a simple tag on the inside of the tongue. These are available now. Source: Juno