Sydney-based creatives design pop-up installation for the launch of new seasonal Converse CX range
With over 100 years of history, Converse has continued to re-developed the iconic Chuck Taylor
All Star to suit the needs of customers with remarkable success.
In 2022, Converse has launched its new seasonal range of Chuck Taylor All Star CX, collaborating with make-up artist, Rowi Singh and three Sydney-based creatives for the brands ‘CX Artist Series’. The release of the first All Star CX range in 2020 represents another progression for the Converse brand, transforming the iconic style with stretch canvas and CX foam to form an innovative and futuristic look.
The global Converse All Stars program provides creatives with an online community in which
individuals can collaborate with other All Stars as well as the Converse brand. The program aims to highlight underrepresented groups through mentorship programs in addition to targeted funding, with the goal of developing creative careers.
Artists Daniella Ocean, Shen Osaki and Ibrahim Intwari were selected from the All Stars program to take part in Converse’s latest project to celebrate the new seasonal range of the ‘Chuck Taylor All Star CX’.
Under the mentorship of Rowi Singh, the project tasked the three artists with designing a pop-up installation in under seven days with the intention of allowing the artists to express their individuality and artistry.
Photographer Shen Osaki expressed his excitement about being involved with the project, after
the pandemic left many artists and creatives limited in opportunities for creative expression.
“When I was approached by Converse to be one of the three artists featured in the series, I was overjoyed. Off the back of COVID, I found myself in a creative rut and so this opportunity presented itself at the perfect time. Having seven days to solely focus on this project with other
artists was just what I needed to reignite my creativity and passion for my craft.”
Rowi Singh was chosen to mentor the three artists throughout their creative process with her
own knowledge of the creative industry. Singh’s specialised work in make-up artistry has delivered hundreds of thousands of followers online due to her eye-catching looks, which mesh culture, colour and skill.
“It has been incredible to witness firsthand this unique initiative Converse has brought to life
through both the All Star community and CX Artist Series. As a creative, I love collaborating withlike-minded individuals to inspire my own creative process and so when the opportunity to mentor inspiring local artists arose, I embraced it”.
“I’m beyond excited to welcome the public to the space and stand alongside the All Stars as they showcase their work.”
The CX Artist Series pop-up hosts a collection of interactive installations created by the artists, including an augmented reality photographic installation, an ‘acceptance’ corner for visitors to share notes with each other and vivid sensory experiences that range from lighting, to sound, to scent.
The new seasonal range of Converse CX reflects the mission of the All Stars program, with the shoes having been inspired by the creativity and ingenuity of All Stars artists. Converse CX reimagines Chuck Taylor All Stars with innovative designs built for ultimate comfort and style, with the application of stretch canvas, CX foam and a new outsole design.
The introduction of the three new materials is intended to develop and transform the iconic high-top range to become a melting pot of experimental and classical designs that are as equally eye-catching as they are practical.
The new seasonal range of Converse CX focuses on comfort and style, with two new two-tone colours of white/navy and ash black/light grey. CX cushioning within the shoes allows for everyday comfort, complemented by the bright and optimistic tones of the shoes design.
The CX range has become largely popular amongst the creative community and everyday Chucks wearers alike, with stretch canvas allowing for better movement, and CX foam making the shoe more durable and susceptible to impact.
Sammy, from the popular Youtube shoe review channel The Sole Brothers, reviewed the shoes in comparison to the original Chuck Taylors, with a positive review of the capability of the CX range.
“I would definitely wear these over the original because of how much lighter they are. The stretch canvas feels a little bit nicer and the insole is a little bit more comfortable as far as the cushion goes over the original. So, I definitely like them and they’re definitely an improvement on the original Chucks and it is a really good modern take on the shoe.”
The video amassed almost 60,000 views, with several commenters expressing their own fondness of the CX range due to their optimized comfort and practicality.
The immersive experience is open to the public until Thursday, 24 March at 68 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills.
