Union Celebrates African American Culture With New Converse Chuck Taylor
Model: Chuck Taylor All Star
Key Features: The Union x Converse Chuck Taylor features a white canvas upper printed with scenes from Sheila Bridges' iconic Harlem Toile.
Release Date: October 13
Price: TBC
Buy: Converse.com and select retailers
Editor’s Notes: Following a highly-coveted Jordan release, Union has partnered with Converse to reimagine the Chuck Taylor All Star. Also involved in the collaboration is New York-based interior designer, Sheila Bridges, who is recognized for her distinct furnishing approach.
Here, we find the iconic Chuck Taylor decorated with Bridges' most famous work, the Harlem Toile. Typically seen in upholstery, a toile is a printed material that incorporates a floral, figure or landscape design. With Harlem Toile, Bridges ultimately recreated scenes of her experience of African American culture in her hometown
“I didn’t ever see myself represented in any of the designs, so, I created my own,” Bridges said.
The Harlem Toile draws from African American stereotypes, all while celebrating the culture. Specifically, the visual finds subjects in 18th century attire, jumping rope, playing basketball, dancing, and having picnics.
In speaking on the Chuck Taylor collab, Union's Chris Gibbs said, “It’s that indelibly designed shoe. It’s that cool shoe. It’s the perfect canvas for intricate stories via print graphics.”
The Chuck Taylor is joined by a collection of apparel and accessories, which includes a hoodie and bucket hat that also feature the Harlem Toile print. The entire collaboration launches October 13.
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