Rick Owens, the maestro of gothic minimalism and brutalist fashion, once again turns the sneaker world on its head with the release of the Converse DRKSHDW TURBOWPN “Pelican.” This latest drop in Owens’ ongoing partnership with Converse delivers a deconstructed, oversized reinterpretation of the iconic Converse Weapon silhouette—this time rendered in a monochromatic “Pelican” colorway that merges his subversive aesthetic with heritage basketball DNA.

Scheduled for release this season, the TURBOWPN “Pelican” marks yet another successful collaboration between the avant-garde designer and the heritage sportswear giant. Let’s dive into the storyline behind this reinvention, exploring its design philosophy, cultural resonance, and the tension between luxury and function that defines Rick Owens’ approach to sneaker collaborations.

The Intersection of Rick Owens and Converse

When Rick Owens first teamed up with Converse in 2021 to launch the DRKSHDW TURBODRK Chuck 70, it was clear that the partnership would push creative boundaries. Owens took Converse’s most recognizable icon—the Chuck Taylor—and imbued it with his signature aesthetic: exaggerated proportions, muted tones, and unapologetically bold design.

For Rick Owens, collaborations are less about commercial viability and more about creating statements—redefining classics with a confrontational edge. Owens himself stated that his work with Converse is “a distillation of something deeply traditional into something deeply distorted.”

The DRKSHDW TURBOWPN is no exception. Owens draws inspiration from the 1986 Converse Weapon—a sneaker famously worn by basketball legends like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird—and warps its proportions into a chunky, sculptural form that feels futuristic yet familiar. With the introduction of the new “Pelican” colorway, this release leans heavily into Owens’ penchant for monochrome minimalism while remaining unmistakably bold.

Design Story: The Weapon Reimagined

The Converse Weapon was originally designed to be a performance basketball shoe—a symbol of dominance on the hardwood. In Rick Owens’ hands, however, the Weapon undergoes a radical transformation. The DRKSHDW TURBOWPN “Pelican” exaggerates the very elements that defined the original, turning a functional sneaker into a wearable art piece.

The “Pelican” Palette

The “Pelican” colorway takes center stage, featuring a soft, off-white monochromatic scheme that embodies Owens’ characteristic muted tones. This palette creates a subtle yet powerful statement—stripping the silhouette of unnecessary distractions while allowing its proportions and details to shine.

The off-white hues align with Rick Owens’ recurring fascination with earth tones and neutral palettes, evoking a sense of brutalist minimalism. The color choice also enhances the TURBOWPN’s sculptural quality, emphasizing its exaggerated shape and architectural lines.

Exaggerated Proportions

The defining feature of the TURBOWPN is its oversized silhouette. Owens amplifies the design’s mid-top collar, creating a bold, exaggerated profile that feels simultaneously retro and futuristic. The sneaker’s chunky sole unit adds weight and volume to the design, transforming it into a statement piece that refuses to go unnoticed.

DRKSHDW Details

Owens’ signature DRKSHDW branding is subtly integrated into the sneaker, with elongated laces, custom tongue labels, and minimal co-branding across the heel. These understated details reflect Owens’ belief that luxury lies in craftsmanship and form rather than flashy logos.

Leather Construction:

True to both Converse’s heritage and Rick Owens’ elevated approach, the TURBOWPN “Pelican” features premium leather construction. The supple leather upper lends the sneaker a refined texture while ensuring durability. It’s a harmonious blend of athletic performance and luxury craftsmanship—two worlds that Owens loves to disrupt and unite.

A Cultural Commentary: Subverting Sneaker Norms

At its core, the TURBOWPN “Pelican” is more than just a sneaker—it’s a commentary on consumer culture, sneaker trends, and the intersection of sportswear and high fashion. Owens’ collaborations challenge conventional ideas about sneakers, elevating utilitarian footwear into sculptural works of art.

•Deconstruction and Distortion: By exaggerating the Weapon’s proportions, Owens subverts its original function, transforming a basketball icon into a statement of subcultural luxury. In doing so, he blurs the lines between fashion and performance, function and excess.

•Minimalism with a Brutalist Edge: The muted “Pelican” palette strips the sneaker down to its most essential form, emphasizing its structural elements. Owens’ design philosophy reflects an appreciation for minimalism as a response to the oversaturated sneaker market.

•Bridging Generations: The TURBOWPN revives a silhouette deeply rooted in basketball history but reimagines it for a new generation of fashion-forward consumers. It’s a nod to the past while firmly planting itself in the future.

Rick Owens’ Influence on Sneaker Culture

Rick Owens’ foray into sneaker collaborations represents a broader cultural shift where luxury fashion and sneaker culture have become increasingly intertwined. Owens, who has been designing sculptural footwear since the early 2000s, has long been a pioneer in bridging these two worlds.

•The Appeal of the Avant-Garde: Owens’ collaborations appeal to consumers who value individuality and subversion. By partnering with mainstream brands like Converse, Owens brings his avant-garde vision to a broader audience while maintaining his signature edge.

•Luxury in Proportion: Owens’ sneakers reject traditional ideas of beauty and proportion. The exaggerated forms of the TURBOWPN reflect his belief that fashion should challenge norms and provoke thought.

The TURBOWPN “Pelican” exemplifies this philosophy, offering a sneaker that is equal parts functional, sculptural, and disruptive.

Styling the TURBOWPN “Pelican”

While the TURBOWPN “Pelican” is undeniably bold, its neutral palette and minimalist details make it surprisingly versatile. Owens’ fans—affectionately dubbed the “Rickheads”—have long embraced his aesthetic, combining oversized, draped silhouettes with statement footwear.

Elevated Streetwear: Pair the TURBOWPN with wide-leg trousers, oversized hoodies, and long coats for a quintessential Rick Owens-inspired look.

Monochromatic Fits: Lean into the “Pelican” colorway by pairing the sneaker with all-black or neutral outfits, allowing the shoe’s proportions to stand out.

Subtle Contrast: For those who prefer a more understated approach, the TURBOWPN can be styled with slim black denim and a minimalist tee, letting the sneaker serve as the focal point.

The Future of the Rick Owens x Converse Collaboration

The DRKSHDW TURBOWPN “Pelican” is a continuation of Rick Owens’ ongoing partnership with Converse, which shows no signs of slowing down. Each release in the collaboration builds on the last, pushing the boundaries of sneaker design while staying rooted in Converse’s iconic heritage.

As Owens continues to explore and distort classic silhouettes, the partnership serves as a case study in how brands can collaborate to create products that are both commercially viable and artistically significant.

Release Information and Availability

The Rick Owens x Converse DRKSHDW TURBOWPN “Pelican” is set to release in limited quantities through Converse, select retailers, and Rick Owens’ official channels. The sneaker will be priced around $200–$220, reflecting its premium materials and status as a limited-edition release.

Given the success of past Rick Owens x Converse collaborations, the TURBOWPN “Pelican” is expected to sell out quickly, appealing to both Rick Owens loyalists and sneaker enthusiasts alike.

Final Thoughts: A Bold Fusion of Form and Function

The Rick Owens x Converse DRKSHDW TURBOWPN “Pelican” is not just a sneaker—it’s a statement. By taking a basketball classic and transforming it into a brutalist masterpiece, Rick Owens once again proves why he remains one of the most influential designers in fashion.

For fans of Owens’ work, the TURBOWPN “Pelican” represents the perfect marriage of heritage and high fashion—a piece that feels equally at home on the runway, in the streets, or in a curated sneaker collection.

As Rick Owens continues to challenge the norms of sneaker design, the TURBOWPN “Pelican” stands as a testament to his ability to turn utilitarian objects into avant-garde icons. It’s a bold reminder that fashion, at its best, is art—wearable, provocative, and timeless.

Mark your calendars and prepare to embrace the distortion.

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