The Converse Chuck 70 is no stranger to reinvention. Over the decades, the iconic silhouette has served as a blank canvas for countless creative voices in fashion, music, and art. Now, it’s KENZO’s turn to leave its mark. Under the vision of artistic director NIGO, KENZO is bringing bold new energy to the Chuck 70 Low and Hi, dropping three limited-edition colorways on April 17.

This connection marks the first time the Paris-based fashion house has teamed up with Converse—and it doesn’t shy away from making a statement. With its unapologetically vibrant color palette, playful patternwork, and precise design details, the Converse x KENZO collection is a seamless blend of high fashion and streetwear heritage.

A Fresh Take on a Timeless Classic

KENZO’s entry into the world of Chuck Taylors revolves around one of its signature motifs: the Hana Leopard print. A visual staple within NIGO’s KENZO tenure, this pattern merges floral cues with feline fierceness, delivering a look that’s both aggressive and elegant. Applied across canvas uppers on both the Low and Hi versions of the Chuck 70, the print is given fresh life through color.

The three colorways—Pink Cosmos, Cypress, and Sweet Corn—are bold without being loud. Pink Cosmos pairs blush pink with soft white for a pastel-heavy, spring-ready aesthetic. Cypress contrasts deep green and black tones for a more grounded, utilitarian vibe. And Sweet Corn injects energy into the mix with bright yellow, black, and white—a colorway that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

These are sneakers that don’t just sit on your feet—they speak. Each pair is designed to stand out, while still nodding to the timeless appeal of the Chuck 70 silhouette.

NIGO’s Influence: A Personal Connection

It’s no accident that NIGO chose the Chuck 70 for this partnership. A longtime fan of Converse—and an obsessive sneakerhead in his own right—NIGO’s creative world has always intertwined with the legacy of the Chuck. From his BAPE days to his current position at KENZO, he’s been pushing the boundary between high-end fashion and streetwear with cultural precision.

His fingerprints are all over this partner. Beyond the Hana Leopard print, the shoes feature KENZO’s boke flower—another recurring motif in the brand’s new visual identity—as a hangtag and outsole imprint. It’s a detail that might go unnoticed at first glance, but to the initiated, it reinforces the shoe’s connection to KENZO’s broader design language.

NIGO’s instinct for visual storytelling through fashion translates beautifully here. The mix of pattern, color, and symbolism turns a familiar form—the Chuck 70—into a wearable canvas of KENZO identity.

Details That Make the Drop

Beyond the striking visuals, each sneaker in this drop carries its share of subtle design flourishes:

• Co-branding on the sockliner places the Converse and KENZO names side by side, bridging their creative legacies.
• A custom heel tab on the left shoe features a KENZO-specific detailing, offering collectors and fans a reason to take a second look.
• The rubber outsole gets a makeover, with the boke flower appearing as a graphic stamp—subtle, yet stylish.

Either you’re picking these up for wear or for display, the details elevate the shoes from mere collab to collector’s item.

A Broader Shift in Shoe Connections

This Converse x KENZO release is part of a larger trend in footwear: the increasing intersection of heritage sportswear brands and luxury fashion houses. What was once a niche pairing has now become standard practice. But while many collaborations feel formulaic, this one stands out because of its authenticity.

NIGO’s deep-rooted love for Converse ensures that this isn’t just a marketing stunt—it’s a personal and creative exchange. The result is a product that feels lived-in and well thought-out, not rushed or superficial.

Moreover, it points to a new chapter for KENZO under NIGO’s leadership. Since taking the helm in 2021, he’s steered the label back to relevance, infusing it with streetwise savvy and a sharper visual focus. This shoe release doesn’t just sell kicks—it sells a vision. One where cultural currency and sartorial risk coexist.

Release Info & Where to Buy

For sneakerheads and fashion fans alike, the good news is that the wait won’t be long.

Release Date:

April 17, 2025

Colorways & SKUs:

• Pink Cosmos – SKU: A14789C
• Cypress – SKU: A16291C
• Sweet Corn – SKU: A14788C

Price:

To Be Confirmed (MSRP pending)

Availability:

Pairs will be available through both Converse and KENZO’s official online stores, as well as select global stockists.

Expect these to move fast—not just because of the brand names attached, but because of the striking visual appeal and the cultural clout behind them.

Impression

The Converse Chuck 70 x KENZO collab does what all good shoe releases should: it builds a bridge between creative worlds without compromising either. It’s fashion-forward, but wearable. Classic, but current. Loud, but tasteful.

 

 

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