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Converse debuts a collaboration with coveted artist Dr. Woo.
The first output of this creative energy comes to life through the iconic Converse Chuck 70.
An ode to the height of Chuck Taylor innovation as a basketball shoe in the 1970s, the Chuck 70 is a silhouette that Dr. Woo has worn throughout his life.
“I wanted something clean and not obvious or expected of me,”
says Dr. Woo.
Dr. Woo is speaking of his collaboration with Converse, which releases exclusively today at Maxfield in Los Angeles. But, the statement could be applied to multiple facets of the born-and-raised Angeleno’s life.
Having developed an attraction to tattoos during his youth as a means of rebelling against his parents, Dr. Woo has grown a cult following among Hollywood’s elite –translating ethereal aesthetics and distinguished compositions into coveted works of body art from a hideaway suite within The Roosevelt Hotel.
To distill Dr. Woo’s creative talents into one category would be a disservice to the
individual that experiences them. Recently, Dr. Woo vocalized that in the future he could see himself extending into other creative fields – manipulating everyday objects,inviting consumers into his finely curated, meticulous and beautiful world.
The first output of this creative energy comes to life through the iconic Converse Chuck 70. An ode to the height of Chuck Taylor innovation as a basketball shoe in the 1970s,the Chuck 70 is a silhouette that Dr. Woo has worn throughout his life.
Describing them as “always relevant to me,” Dr. Woo used to “draw all over Chucks,tear ‘em up. I tried to hold on to old pairs, but they always seemed to vanish like my youth…”
Today, he’s telling stories in a way that can be playfully interpreted by its wearer,
creating a narrative that can be made one’s own through every little scuff, stain and natural patina.
The story of the spider and the fly transforms the Chuck 70’s canvas – delivering
detailed, but minimalist aesthetics that allow for the exploration of literal and
conceptual ideas. Most evident is the story around the spider eating fly, but eyes within the artwork (and part of his Woo logo) act as a strong focal point on what
communicating with each other and the creatures within our world means today.
Juxtaposing a poignant point of view with clean delivery enables wearability for
Converse x Dr. Woo. The pair, which are available in black and white, can be dressed down, rolled up with vintage denim and loose laces, but also offer a “gothic chic” endnote to slim black pants and smart top when laced up.
The key, Dr. Woo says, is to wear them “’til they are destroyed.” The story gets
personal as the spider embroidery gets rough, ripped and fuzzy. Then, it becomes a story of you, and the shoe.
Converse x Dr. Woo is available globally from Converse.com
