Iconoclastic, avant-garde, radical and minimalist, Rick Owens has been gradually approaching other brands to expand his universe through collaborations. Of Latino origin and born in California, the designer with a subversive vision, resorts to the omnipresent elements of fashion and culture to give them a sculptural touch and impossible volumes.
If there is an omnipresent sneaker, it is the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, one of the few designs that has remained unchanged throughout its century of life, being used first on the basketball courts and later on the streets.
Rick Owens x Converse DRKSHDW DRKSTR
Rick Owens and Chuck Taylor team up again, but this time with a collection that also includes accessories.
The massive presence of the Chuck Taylor and the subcultural spirit of Rick Owens had to meet at some point, and it happened in 2014. Through his DRKSHDW label, Rick Owens introduced an interpretation of the Chuck Taylor that he called RAMONES for its relationship to the punk aesthetic, one of Rick Owens' inspirational cornerstones. But it wasn't until 2021 when that relationship with the Chuck Taylor derived into a series of collaborations with Converse that expands this season.
Converse x DRKSHDW DRKSTR is a new interpretation of the Chuck 70 in the classic versions, both Hi and Ox, made in durable 18 oz (0.68 kg) cotton. It retains some RAMONES references such as the large tongue, minimalist color palette and a rounded toe cap that blends smoothly with the shapes of the Chuck 70.
This new collection introduces accessories for the first time, such as black and pearl-colored caps and an oversized backpack with side pockets and two zippers.
Text by Kike Marina for SVD
Photo by Converse