Both NEIGHBORHOOD and Converse operate outside of fashion’s seasonal trends. Since its beginnings in 1994, Shinsuke Takizawa’s label has honed a Western heritage look amplified with a distinctly Japanese attention to detail. Focused on enhancing the lifestyle of its wearers rather than catering to the latest look, NEIGHBORHOOD’s consistency season to season through its penchant for motorcycle and military style is evidence of this commitment. Over time, collaborations with a who’s who of the global streetwear community have served as recognition of NEIGHBORHOOD’s unrelenting passion for its aesthetic.
Across the ocean in the United States, Converse has followed a similar trajectory. As a heritage brand, its continued success builds on a history of sports, music and fashion that originated in the United States and has since spread around the globe. But among the international markets that Converse has explored, Japan holds a special place in the brand’s metaphorical heart — with a library of projects under its belt in conjunction with storied designers like NUMBER (N)INE, mastermind JAPAN and COMME des GARÇONS. Converse affirms this fondness: “When it comes to our designs, we obsess every detail. Japanese culture shares this same attention to the detail and obsession of their chosen focus. There’s a Japanese term for it – “Otaku” – and it shows in how and what they create.”
Read below to see a detailed look at the latest NEIGHBORHOOD x Converse collaboration learn about the design process from the perspective of Ian Ginoza, Converse’s Global Director of Special Projects
The NEIGHBORHOOD x Converse One Star is the latest extension of both brands’ obsessive attention to detail. A follow up to their last partnership in 2013, the 2017 collab takes the form of a premium black suede low top. The classic star logo on the side panel has been modified into a NEIGHBORHOOD pentagram and along the glossy midsole, NEIGHBORHOOD’s “Craft with Pride” motto wraps from the black script Converse logo at the heel around to the toe on both sides.
Tell us about the heritage of the Converse One Star silhouette.
The One Star was born on the court and later adopted by the street. From Kurt Cobain to Hiroshi Fujiwara, the One Star spans cultures and subcultures – from music to skateboarding and beyond.
What about the NEIGHBORHOOD brand makes it a fit for Converse?
NEIGHBORHOOD shares our philosophy that clothing should support the lifestyle of the wearer and that shared value is really what connects our two brands. Shinsuke and the rest of the NEIGHBORHOOD crew are really an extension of the Converse brand -– and Converse an extension of theirs. When we identify external partners, we choose to partner not only with likeminded brands, but brands that are fans of Converse and vis versa. With NEIGHBORHOOD, this is most certainly the case.
How did this latest collaboration it come about? What was the design process like?
A true collaboration is sum of parts and I am a part of a solid team. Shinsuke came to us with the creative and initial design concepts and from there, the larger Converse and NEIGHBORHOOD teams worked together to build, refine and bring the ideas to life.
“From Kurt Cobain to Hiroshi Fujiwara, the One Star spans cultures and subcultures”
How are both the Converse vision and the Neighborhood vision represented in this sneaker?
With our latest collaboration, the make-up of the Chuck Taylor is a nod to Neighborhood’s roots in the motorcycle counterculture. Then on the other-hand, you have the One Star that speaks to Converse’s music ties. Both sneakers perfectly reflect each brand and the organic communities we’re a part of.
