Converse Pays Homage to Chicago, Kobe Bryant and the Company’s History For All-Star Weekend

A yellow, purple and white pair were on display honoring Kobe Bryant, next to his picture which says “Mamba Forever.” Photo by Briana Higgins

In honor of Kobe Bryant, NBA legend, the company included this picture in the history portion of the showcase to pay tribute.  Photo by Briana Higgins

LA based designer, Joshua Vides, explains the process behind painting, solidifying and transporting the chairs to Chicago. He also led an interactive conversation and designed an interactive shirt that was given away along with one of the chairs pictured to take home. Photo by Briana Higgins

To highlight the original three models of Converse, Pro BB, Pro Leather and Chuck 70. The Chuck 70 is used as the base for all collaborations the company does with designers. Photo by Briana Higgins

Converse Pro Leather models and other shoes worn by iconic players were on display next to their pictures as tributes. Photo by Briana Higgins

Chuck Taylor, basketball player and brand ambassador, was a notable figure in the All-Star brand. Taylor asked Converse to make some alterations to the shoe and then added his signature to the famous ankle patch on the side before the company named the shoe after him. Photo by Briana Higgins

In the customization room, shoes lined the walls on hoop displays for people to look over and gain inspiration on to add to their pair. The black and red Pro Leather OG’s are part of the new All-Star City Pack collection released to honor iconic players. Photo by Briana Higgins

	By Briana Nokaii Higgins, Arts&Cultue Editor, The Real Chi

NBA All-Star 2020 was a special time for the city of Chicago considering it was the first time the event has been held here since 1988. But it was also an important time for the all-star brand Converse, as it showcased their new traveling experience in Chicago and during London Fashion Week. 

Spotlighting sports, music and art, the company set out to reflect the brand’s history and celebrate its accomplishments through a series of workshops, performances and in-depth conversations. The activities spanned both Friday and Saturday of All-Star weekend and all events were held at Converse Brand Space near West Loop, located at 400 Noble St.

Converse’s new “Creative All-Star Series” had installments of basketball legends like Kobe Bryant, Chuck Taylor and Julius “Dr. J.” Erving to name a few. In the sports portion of the installment there were oversized picture displays to walk people through the history of the brand and share the NBA’s involvement in developing the current platform. 

Converse began designing the shoe in 1917, but it was redesigned when Chuck Taylor added his own touches to make them more comfortable for the basketball court and added his signature to the famous ankle star patch. Taylor traveled as a salesman and was the first player to have basketball clinics, where he promoted the brand. 

Dr. J., who later spoke at the venue, contributed by being one of the first players to be more “fashion conscious” when wearing the classic Pro Leather model of the Converse collection. He made it part of his signature style and inspired others and was credited with being the “first to bring true style to the game.” Also pictured were Earl Lloyd, the first black person to play a game in the NBA, and Nat Clifton, the first black player to sign an NBA contract.

Corresponding with the pictures of the players, on the backs of the displays were the shoes they made famous or they either wore in the picture. While Kobe Bryant was not a staple figure of the brand, Converse decided to pay tribute with a picture of him during a game wearing a pair of purple, yellow and white Pro Leathers with the message “Mamba Forever.”

Rounding out the events came the celebration of music with performances by DaBaby and Roddy Ricch. Both artists performed for about 30 minutes and gave a free show to a full crowd. 

Rooms off the court were dedicated to workshops and customizing kicks. Local Chicago artists IBN Jasper and Don C also gave a talk about their 20 year friendship and the importance of infusing Chicago’s street and sneaker culture into their collaborations with Converse. An interactive conversation and workshop led by Joshua Vides invited YMCA kids to personalize their Converse with chains, patches, thread, etc. The following room had a station where people who purchased a pair could watch as their shoes were designed with a variety of things including custom airbrushing and ribbons. This room had Converse lining the walls and included a shoe gallery with displays that were modeled after a specific part of each individual kick. 

Previously finished products, some paying homage to Chicago, were on the walls with fur, Bulls patches, basketballs airbrushed onto them, chains hanging on the sides and other design choices to inspire those who wanted to add flare to their pair. Chicago artists Graffiti Professor and Sentrock were working within the pop-up shop alongside Baltimore-based artist Sierato.

Outside of that, a mobile shoe display with monitors and animations illuminated showing off the three base models for all Chuck Taylor’s: the Chuck 70, Pro BB and Pro Leather. Finally, a Converse bleacher display was included in the back of the court with significant company dates, accomplishments and a mock shot clock lining the wall above it. For example, in 2001 Converse filed for bankruptcy but was later bought out by Nike and revamped, this is just one reason why those dates were posted. 

Underneath were numbered seats that could be take-home chairs for winners of an interactive t-shirt. According to the designer Joshua Vides, remaining seats will be donated to a local place the brand chooses.

The Creative All-Star Series will be traveling to other places and exclusive, limited edition products dropped to pay tribute to “both the iconic players that graced the court and the city that those players captivated with their stellar play.”