Number (N)ine for Converse 2010 Spring Footwear

Converse announces its Number (N)ine for Converse Collection for Spring 2010. Some of the last Number (N)ine products available from Takahiro Miyashita’s highly sought-after label, the collection includes a Chuck Taylor All Star and a pair of One Star shoes that will be available this season and will be followed up later in the year with new versions and Takahiro’s take on the Converse Odessa trainer. The collaboration seems especially fitting for Takahiro who sees Converse as a sort of beginning and an end. “My childhood started with Converse” he says, noting that with the closing of Number (N)ine, that Converse has a special existence in relation to both his youth and the end of Number (N)ine.

Converse worked closely with Takahiro to create his interpretations of the Chuck Taylor All Star and One Star shoes, which Takahiro considers “authentic and permanent”. Taking a hybrid approach, Takahiro chose to incorporate the asymmetrical lacing of the 1970 and ‘80s era Converse Odessa shoe into his design. The Odessa shoe, which was originally designed for running, was super innovative for its time and a shoe from the Converse archives that Takahiro has long admired. Following the Chuck Taylor All Star and One Star versions, Converse will debut the Number (N)ine version of the Odessa trainer in early 2010.

The collection includes an oxford version of the Chuck Taylor All Star shoe with premium deer skin, yellow shag suede uppers, asymmetrical lacing and a metallic gold star on the shoe’s heel. A One Star version is also available in premium deer skin white shag suede uppers, asymmetrical lacing and a silver metallic star on the shoe’s heel. The shoes global launch is set for March 13th, 2010 at select retailers globally.