Converse Inc. announces the global debut of the Spring 2015 Converse All Star Andy Warhol Collection in partnership with The Andy Warhol Foundation. Marrying Warhol’s distinct vision with the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, the partnership between two pop culture icons celebrates creative self-expression and pays homage to the visionary artist.
The new collection features bold Warhol imagery across an array of expressive Converse tees and footwear for men and women.
Hailed as the preeminent artist of the 20th century, Warhol was an iconic visionary whose legacy continues to inspire rebels and artists everywhere. He creatively merged pop culture, film, music, screen printing and performance, opening the door for millions of artists and performers. Since 1987, Warhol’s vision and creativity lives on through The Andy Warhol Foundation, who fosters innovative artistic expression by supporting work that is challenging and experimental in nature. To help further the non-profit’s mission for the advancement of the visual arts, a portion of the proceeds from the Converse All Star Andy Warhol collection will support The Andy Warhol Foundation.
“With this collection, we aim to celebrate and foster the innovative artistic expression that’s intrinsic to both Converse and Andy Warhol,” said Damion Silver, Converse All Star Design Director. “Andy Warhol famously created art inspired by American pop culture icons, and was a pioneer in utilizing the Chuck Taylor All Star as a blank canvas for his work. From this shared creative history grew our collaboration with Warhol.”
“The Foundation is delighted to celebrate the launch of the Converse Andy Warhol Collection and proud to announce that a portion of the proceeds will support The Foundation’s endowment from which it has distributed nearly $250M in grants supporting contemporary visual arts,” said Michael Hermann of The Andy Warhol Foundation. “This unique collaboration honors the artist’s enduring legacy which inspires us to ignore convention and proudly be whatever we want to be.”
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Andy Warhol Collection
Taking one of Warhol’s most iconic and recognizable prints, the Campbell’s Soup can, Converse reinterprets and repurposes this screen print. On the high top sneaker a singular soup can print is utilized in bold primary colors, while the low top stacks the Campbell’s Soup cans on top of one another to create a layered pattern that adds depth and dimension, a common technique used by Warhol.
Available for a suggested retail price of $60-$65 USD.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star ’70 Andy Warhol Collection
For a second take on Warhol’s work, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star silhouette features designs ranging from Campbell’s Soup cans in classic colors to monochromatic motorcycle prints. Adding a playful element to the sneaker, the inner lining hosts a step and repeat print that mirrors the distinct pattern Warhol used in his signature Campbell’s Soup works.
Additionally, to show the breadth and depth of Warhol’s work, the collection also includes low top styles with motorcycle and newspaper prints inspired from Warhol’s Ads and Illustrations series, circa 1985-86.
Available for a suggested retail price of $95 USD.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Platform and Lux Andy Warhol Collection
In feminine silhouettes like the Platform and Lux, iconic Campbell’s soup and newsprint ads adorn these fashion-forward styles. The newsprint in particular bridges the gap between tonal and monochromatic prints to showcase Warhol’s more muted work.
Available for a suggested retail price of $75 USD.
Converse All Star Andy Warhol Apparel Collection
Building off the historical link between Warhol and Converse, the collection also features a selection of graphic tees for men and women. Highlighted in the collection is Converse Extra Special Value, circa 1985-86, an original work created by Warhol that features the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker. Available for a suggested retail price of $35 USD.
The Spring 2015 Converse Chuck Taylor Andy Warhol Sneaker and Apparel Collection will be available for purchase starting Saturday, February 7 at specialty retailers, Converse stores and Converse.com for $35 – $90 USD.