Brooklyn-based jewelry and accessories designer Martine Ali is not known for playing it safe. So when Converse tapped her to reimagine the legendary Chuck Taylor All Star, the result was nothing short of revolutionary. Ali’s take on the brand’s new Chuck 70 De Luxe Wedge pushes the boundaries of the beloved silhouette, infusing it with her signature edgy aesthetic and boundless creativity.
Martine’s muse for this transformation? Surprisingly, it wasn’t basketball courts or rock concerts, but waders – the practical footwear worn for wading through water. This unexpected inspiration led to a design that’s both daring and sophisticated: a nearly four-inch wedge heel sculpted into an angular masterpiece, encased in a luxurious full grain leather upper. The classic elements of the Chuck Taylor are there – the distinctive toe cap, the timeless canvas-look leather, the star patch – but reinterpreted with a bold, fashion-forward twist.
The Chuck 70 De Luxe Wedge has a unique dual personality thanks to the removable gaiters. Want a sleek, edgy boot? Rock it without the gaiters. Want a more statement look? Zip on the gaiters, adorned with minimal co-branding and waxed laces, for an extra dose of urban cool. This versatility empowers the wearer to become the creator, shaping the shoe to their individual style and mood, from day to night, casual to dressy.
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“As a designer, I create items that allow the wearer to also be the creator,” says Martine. “With the wedge, I designed a shoe that becomes what you want it to be… It feels like the ultimate shoe for self expression.“
The Converse x Martine Ali Chuck 70 De Luxe Wedge is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering creative expression. By partnering with visionary designers like Ali, Converse ensures its iconic All Star DNA remains relevant and evolving, inspiring a new generation of sneakerheads to redefine self-expression through footwear.
The Converse x Martine Ali Chuck 70 De Luxe Wedge launches globally on December 1, 2023 and is available at Converse.com and select retailers.
© Converse
