Flying out of Paris’s Colette as we speak, are the newly launched extreme limited edition of Missoni x Converse shoes created in amazing deadstock fabric from the Missoni Archive.
The Converse x Missoni archive project of Converse Pro Leather high tops and Auckland Racer shoes mark the sixth season of the collaboration between the two brands, with the iconic sneakers making a great blank canvas for the distinct Missoni fabrics from the Italian icon’s runway collections from 1994 to the present day.
The deadstock materials are colourful, vibrant and eclectic, and completely reinvigorated with this streetwise collection that features incredible juxtaposing colours and textures.
The launch of the range of 20 shoes is made even more exciting with the creation of a bespoke installation created by London-based artist Gary Card in Colette. Taking inspiration from the ‘Star Chevron’ logo that adorns each shoe, Card has created a towering sculpture that starts with a star at its base, before unraveling like a yarn of fabric creating angular chevron shapes that protrude in various directions as it climbs to the ceiling. The piece is finished in a stunning monochrome Missoni knit fabric, randomly covering its surfaces with the Italian brand’s iconic zigzag pattern.
Accompanying the project is a hand-numbered hardback book produced in limited quantities, each one bound in the same terracotta canvas that lines every pair in the collection.
The Converse Missoni Archive Project Auckland Racer and Pro Leather Mid footwear are available now exclusively at Colette, Paris. Each one-of-one pair will be available in unisex sizing from US 5 – 12, retailing for €400.
As a follow up to the Converse Missoni Archive Project collection, Converse will also launch the Holiday 2012 Missoni for Converse Auckland Racer that debuted on the Missoni Fall/Winter 2012 runway in Milan. The sneaker will be available from 31st October 2012 at Missoni boutiques and select Converse First String retailers worldwide.
For more information on Colette please visit www.colette.fr. For more information on Gary Card please visit: www.garycardiology.blogspot.com
