CONVERSE X VINCE STAPLES

CELEBRATE BIG FISH THEORY

Fans of Staples will remember the collection’s Chuck 70s as Staples’ go-to stage wear during his Life Aquatic tour

Vince Staples is not afraid to share his opinion. And it’s his delivery that is known to start a conversation.

The 24-year-old Long Beach native takes a wholly unique approach, melding thoughtful social commentary into subversive raps dropped over house beats. This unforeseen style has left him outside of the parameters that traditionally classify many young male rappers. Staples is an artist that is not easily defined.

It’s the intrigue around him as an individual – his demeanor, his unassuming style -- that propelled his Big Fish Theory to be one the most discussed albums of 2017. It’s his undeniable talent and storytelling ability that made it one of the top albums of the last year.

On January 25, Converse and Vince Staples celebrate Big Fish Theory in the first capsule collection from the two, applying the album’s motifs onto Chuck 70 sneakers and Converse Essentials apparel.

Staples, a long-standing Converse collaborator, sought creative ways of interpreting Big Fish Theory into wearable merchandise. Having grown up with the influence of WC and Snoop Dog wearing Converse Chuck Taylors, the silhouette maintains its relevance with Staples, who bought his first pair at a swap meet to go with his school uniform.

“If you’re not really paying that much attention, you won’t know the difference. But it’s (the Chuck) something that a lot of people use to be able to assimilate into any room they’re going into – every type of person.” – Vince Staples

The Chuck 70 was selected as the key silhouette for the capsule, and is available in classic high top and oxford styles. Built off of an original 1970s design of the Chuck Taylor All Star, the Chuck 70 is representative of a time when the sneaker had evolved to become the pinnacle of function and utility for sport.

The collection’s key colorway, orange, is a nod to the goldfish on Big Fish Theory’s cover art.  This bright orange contrasts the collection’s darker tones to make for highly visible gear. Both Hi and Ox Chuck 70s are built out with an aquarium sock liner, Big Fish Theory graphic outsole, and “Vince Staples” embroidered on the medial collar. The Chuck 70 Hi boasts a “Big Fish” screen print in the collection’s bright orange that stands out against the sneaker’s black tongue.

A common design element throughout the collection is the “SEA” graphic, a tribute to Staples’ Beats 1 podcast Section Eight Arthouse Broadcast System. The “SEA” of the Chuck 70s is 3D printed onto the heel with the “A” placed strategically to cross with the heel stay and transfer onto the foxing tape. On the Essentials hoodie, the “SEA” graphic is centered on the back, making a bold statement against the 360 Legacy French Terry.

The Converse x Vince Staples collection is available on Converse.com and from retailers globally starting January 25, 2018.

Quotes for Nike News:

“The story of the Chuck Taylor is accessibility and culture” – Vince Staples

“If you’re not really paying that much attention, you won’t know the difference. But it’s something that a lot of people use to be able to assimilate into any room they’re going into – every type of person.” – Vince Staples

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