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The story behind Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse

April 30, 2024 3:11 PM
Profile picture of Mariëlle Rezelman
By Mariëlle Rezelman
Content Marketer
The story behind Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse

With the launch of sub-labels such as 'Play' in 2002, Comme des Garçons embraced a vibrant and colourful aesthetic that continues to influence the fashion world.

A highlight in their rich history is their collaboration with Converse, which started in 2009 and quickly gained iconic status. This collab has dropped some of the most sought-after sneakers, including the Comme des Garçons Play x Converse Chuck 70 pack, which have been much loved since their debut in 2015. Following this success, the duo continues to release new designs to this day.

Discover the history and embrace the unique style that characterises these two brands.

Comme des Garçons

In 1969, Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo began her adventure in the fashion world under the name Comme des Garçons, meaning 'like the boys'. It took until 1973 before the brand was officially launched, mainly based in Tokyo. Initially, Kawakubo's focus was on womenswear, but in 1978 she expanded her designs to menswear.

The style of this Japanese brand is characterised by playfulness and colour. In 2002, Comme des Garçons' sub-label 'Play' was introduced, in which the iconic red heart logo first appeared. This logo, designed by Polish designer Filip Pagowski, has since become a hallmark of the brand.

Filip Pagowski
Filip Pagowski | Photo: ICNCLST/

Comme des Garçons x Converse

The collab between Converse and Comme des Garçons began in 2009, with the first model of the Chuck Taylor getting CDG's signature red heart on the side. The 2009 model differs from currently popular designs; the heart was smaller at the time and the trainer had a more minimalist look.

Nevertheless, this collaboration impressed, leading Converse to collaborate with Comme des Garçons again a few years later.

Comme Des Garçons PLAY x Converse 2009
De Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor uit 2009 l Photo WWD

The first Comme des Garçons PLAY Chuck 70 pack

After previous collaborations with brands like Vans and Nike, the first (and arguably the most popular) collection of the Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck 70 launched in 2015. The design of these updated Chuck 70s placed more emphasis on the iconic red heart than the 2009 model.

Comme des Garçons Play Chuck 70
Comme des Garçons PLAY Chuck 70 pack uit 2015 | Photo: Dover Street Market

Since then, these trainers have become true classics in the world of sneakers. Originally dropped in white and black, different colorways have been added in recent years.

Score your pair

After selling out several times, a number of colorways have received a restock at Converse. Thus, the white and black colorways are also available again from the brand. Shop them easy by clicking the buttons below!

Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY Chuck 70 'Blue Quartz' & 'Steel Gray'

Two new designs were added to the pack in 2021. These were a lot more striking than the white and black versions. In fact, in this year we saw a dark blue and grey colorway. To showcase the four new designs, the brand had released a video featuring LA-based creative, Sean Lew. Watch the video below!

Just like the iconic white and black pack, you can also shop these new colorways by simply pressing the buttons below! Especially the blue colorway is a great addition to your sneaker collection, as these will shine beautifully in the sunshine of summer.

Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY Chuck 70 Multi Heart Pack

Finally, the Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY Chuck 70 Multi Heart Pack is also still available from the brand. This features multiple hearts placed around the sole.

Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY Chuck 70 Multi Heart
Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY Chuck 70 Multi Heart
Photo: Charlie Engman

The black version opts for traditional red hearts, with the well-known CDG logo stamped across the bottom of the shoe. Visible white stitching enhances the design. In contrast, the white colorway features contrasting black hearts above the sole, with subtle monochrome stitching.

The Converse x Comme des Garçons PLAY Chuck 70s are for sure a must-have item. The sneakers are a unique and timeless addition to any collection. With their vibrant designs and distinctive look, they will complete any outfit!

Want to stay updated on when new colorways will be dropping? Then check the Sneakerjagers release calendar regularly!

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