Charli XCX has officially joined the Converse team.
The musician revealed the news on her Instagram account, and the partnership is one of the latest as it pertains to the brand’s growing lineup of celebrity collaborations. Having had an incredibly successful 2024 thus far with the release of her sixth studio album “Brat” in June (which sparked a major fashion trend over the summer), the artist has become known for her epic footwear choices, making this the perfect partnership.
The partnership kicks off with Charli celebrating her love for the Chuck Taylor All Star. She stars in a holiday campaign, which was shot by photographer Sharna Osborne.
Charli joins a Converse family of creators that already includes Tyler, The Creator, Billie Eilish, pgLang, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alexis Sablone, Rick Owens, and Isabel Marant among others. More details about the collaboration are set to come in the coming months.
“I wear my Chucks so much they have holes in them, so I was really excited to work with Converse so I could get a new pair. They’re iconic,” the singer said in a statement.
As far as other Converse collaboration updates, Billie Eilish also unveiled a new footwear collaboration with the brand a couple of weeks ago. The singer shared a picture of herself via social media on Oct. 15 holding a shoe reading “And Soft” on the bottom, which is a nod to her most recent album “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”
Having been regularly seen in Converse throughout the years, the brand then confirmed shortly afterwards that Eilish’s designs of the Chuck Taylor All Star ($100) and Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform ($110) models would be available on their website, with fans being able to tweak Eilish’s Converse designs to their liking using lyrics, colors and graphics from “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”
Aside from Charli XCX and Eilish, Converse also works with the likes of NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rapper and entrepreneur Tyler the Creator, legendary fashion designer Rick Owens and more.
A release date for Charli XCX x Converse is expected in the near future.
Converse is expanding its family of creators to China by forming a global partnership with Chinese singer and former pop group TFBoys member Roy Wang.
The sneaker brand said Wang’s “originality and uncompromising creativity” make him a natural fit for this collaboration, which helps underscore Converse’s commitment to “fostering creativity, individuality and self-expression.”
Wang, who has over 85 million followers on Weibo, will join Tyler, The Creator and Billie Eilish to highlight Converse’s long-standing connection to music and youth culture.
The brand said Wang has been wearing Converse on and off duty. He picks Chuck 70 for everyday life and the bolder Run Star Legacy CX, which has an elevated platform sole with a memorable design and height, on stage.
Wang’s appointment post on Weibo garnered around half a million likes, and over 600,000 shares within hours of publication.
Born in Chongqing in 2000, Wang first rose to fame in his teen years in 2013 as a member of Chinese idol group TFBoys, next to Karry Wang and Jackson Yee. Within a year of their debut, the trio became one of the most popular and successful artists in China, and were seen as a pop-culture sensation that gained widespread popularity throughout Asia.
Since his debut, Wang has leveraged his fame to support social causes, having established the Yuan Foundation to aid the elderly and children in 2017, and being named a UNICEF ambassador the following year. He has also participated in United Nations speaking engagements for three years in a row.
Wang was acknowledged by Time magazine as one of the 30 Most Influential Teens of 2017 and entered the Forbes China 100 celebrities list in 2019.
In 2019, he released his debut solo album, “Yuan.” As China’s youngest touring singer, Wang embarked on his first solo tour last year and the tour will come to Macau in November.
Billie Eilish is teasing a soon-to-be-released footwear collaboration with Converse. The superstar took to social media on Oct. 15 to post a photo of herself holding a shoe reading “And Soft” on the bottom, a nod to her most recent album “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”
Eilish posted the photo to her Instagram story with the side eye emoji, suggesting fans should anticipate a forthcoming release. She appeared to be holding a Converse sneaker bearing the brand’s signature midsole with a thin black line and recognizable outsole featuring a geometric pattern. “And Soft” was written in capital block letters across the outsole, suggesting the collaboration would pay homage to her third studio album, which was released in May 2024; the record features tracks like like “Birds of a Feather” and “Wildflower.”
Converse then confirmed Wednesday that Eilish’s designs of the Chuck Taylor All Star ($100) and Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform ($110) models will be offered starting Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. ET on the customizable Converse By You platform. Fans will be able to tweak Eilish’s Converse designs to their liking using lyrics, colors and graphics from “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”
Eilish has proven herself to be a Converse fan in the past, having donned a pair of black Chuck Taylor All Star high top sneakers when she appeared at the climate activism event Overheated last year. She paired the shoes with black crew socks from Nike, another brand she’s worked with and often reaches for. She wore an ultra-rare pair of black Nikes with red plaid accents in the music video for “Birds of a Feather” and slipped on chunky Nike Air sneakers when she performed in celebration of the Olympics coming to Los Angeles.
When it comes to her forays into footwear, she has collaborated with Nike to release a range of shoes, including reinterpretations of the classic Air Force 1 style and the Air Alpha Force.
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Stüssy and Converse‘s relationship is still going steady and will soon add their flashiest sneaker to date.
The Stüssy x Converse Chuck 70 releasing this week takes on a snakeskin textured leather that’s quite hard to miss. Appearing in brown, the material takes over the entirety of the upper, including the unbranded circle-shaped badge on the medial side collar. Stüssy’s remixed All-Star logo is embroidered on lateral side, and similar branding is applied to the tongue tag. Inside, you’ll also find Stüssy’s logo embroidered on the tongue’s other side, as well as an unaltered All-Star badge on the collar and dual-branded insole. The sole unit and toe then retain a classic makeup in white with black striping.
Stüssy and Converse last linked up in the spring for a duo of hairy suede Chuck 70s, with low-tops in red and high-tops in baby blue. Over the summer, Stüssy also brought a hairy suede to the Nike LD-1000, one of Nike’s longest-running models.
The Chuck 70 is delineated from the Chuck Taylor All-Star by a thicker and higher quality, as well as more comfortable Ortholite insoles and vintage-inspired looks that include the branding and slightly off-white sole unit. It also tends to be the version of the classic sneaker chosen for collaborations, which include 10 colorways from Tyler, the Creator’s Golf le Fleur label spread releasing throughout the fall.
The snakeskin Stüssy x Converse Chuck 70 will release this Friday, October 11, through Stüssy’s website and physical stores. Another release will then follow October 17 on the Nike Snkrs app. Pricing is set at $110.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
Kamala Harris brought her signature fashion flair to the popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast, conversing with host Alex Cooper in a pair of sleek black pumps.
Harris opted for a variation of her go-to pantsuit look with a black jacket featuring a crisp collar, silver zipper and padded shoulders; the vice president accessorized with her signature American flag pin.
The garment evoked an aura that was simultaneously sporty and futuristic. She matched the jacket to a pair of black tapered trousers which aligned with her cleanly tailored aesthetic.
Harris made outfit monochrome with a pair of traditional black pumps, a style she often selects for formal occasions. The shoes featured a pointed toe and modest stiletto heel while the upper covered the toes and the left the remainder of the top of the foot exposed.
Many footwear brands carry this classic style, though Harris’ pair did bear a strong resemblance to Manolo Blahnik‘s 70 mm BB pump, which is crafted from lambskin. Available in different heights and colors, that particular luxury shoe retails for $725.
The pumps Harris wore on “Call Her Daddy” looked very similar to the pair she wore when she sat down opposite Oprah Winfrey for the “Unite for America” livestream forum; on that occasion, she paired the chic yet understated shoe with a deep purple pantsuit.
Meanwhile, the host kept it more casual for the interview. She wore a purple hoodie from her Unwell brand, and paired it with flared gray jeans and black pointed high heel boots.
Harris has been in the spotlight more than ever lately as she blazes the presidential campaign trail alongside Tim Walz, leading up to the Nov. 8 election. While campaigning and carrying out her vice presidential duties, she’s been modeling both classic pumps and her beloved Converse; in recent times, she’s stepped out in a platform pair of the Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker.
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Tyler, the Creator and Converse are introducing a new iteration of their low-top Chucks with 10 total colorways set to release throughout the fall.
The Golf le Fleur x Converse Darryl Chuck 70 is named for the dog graphic that’s a signature of Tyler’s label and which is printed on the lateral heel of the canvas sneaker. Another Tyler staple then sits on the outsole, as a blue and black bellboy graphic depicts the famous outfit worn by the musician at the 2020 Grammy Awards. Co-branding also appears on the insole and inner-tongue, the latter of which features a space encouraging wearers to add their own name.
Five colorways releasing this week will mark the first drop for the Darryl Chuck 70 Low, each of which comes with two sets of thick laces in white and its respective color: “Daschund” brown, “Lemon Meringue” yellow, “Margarita” green, “Milky Blue” and “Orchid Petal” purple.
Ahead of Tyler’s annual Camp Flog Gnaw festival in November, an additional five more colorways will drop, although those have yet to be revealed.
Tyler last collaborated with Converse through his Golf le Fleur during the spring with two colorways of the Chuck 70 Low making use of his digital leopard print to follow four similar variants from late last summer.
The Chuck 70 is differentiated from the Chuck Taylor All Star by its higher quality with a thicker canvas and sole, as well as additional stitching. It also features a more vintage style heel bumper.
Tyler, the Creator’s Golf le Fleur x Converse Darryl Chuck 70 will release in its first five colorways Thursday, September 26, through the websites for Golf le Fleur and Converse. Pricing has not yet been confirmed but should come in around the $120 mark of Tyler’s last low-top Chucks.
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About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
Getting a sneaker endorsement deal is something that many will only dream of, but there’s still an opportunity to live out the fantasy virtually on the recently released NBA 2K25 video game.
The game offers various ways to wear dozens of sneakers from today’s top brands. Whether players want to choose from a selection of shoes from their favorite company to be worn by their customized MyCareer, change an NBA/WNBA player’s sneakers or customize a pre-existing design, the options are aplenty.
To obtain a signature sneaker endorsement in the game’s MyCareer mode, players must complete the “First Endorsement” quest. The brands available in this mode are Converse, Jordan Brand, New Balance, Nike, Puma and Under Armour. Each option offers different incentives for one-year deals, with a bonus of being able to wear any of the brand’s on-court shoes for free.
In total, 16 athletic footwear brands are featured in the game — more than any previous ‘NBA 2K’ title.
Players can choose between sneakers from Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, New Balance, Converse, Reebok, Anta, Li-Ning, And 1, Peak, Rigorer, Qiaodan, 361 Degrees, and a new addition to the game, Skechers. Numerous popular models spanning both performance basketball and lifestyle are included.
Nike highlights include signature sneaker lines from LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Ja Morant, Sabrina Ionescu and more. Retro basketball models such as the Air Foamposite One, Air Foamposite Pro, Air Max 2 CB 94, and Air More Uptempo are included, as are other throwback shoes like the SB Dunk High and Air Max 1.
Jordan Brand’s options are highlighted by nearly the entire Air Jordan range from 1 through 38 as well as modern performance models worn by Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić and Zion Williamson. Special styles like the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low collaboration are also included in the game.
Many of Adidas’ current top names are represented including Anthony Edwards’ AE 1 and AE 1 Low as well as signature sneakers worn by Donovan Mitchel and Damian Lillard. Some of the brand’s retro basketball shoes such as the Crazy 1 (formerly known as the Kobe 1), Crazy 8, Forum and Superstar are also options.
Under Armour selections include the full Curry Brand line and others.
For New Balance, the brand’s current basketball sneakers like the Two Wxy 5 and Fresh Foam BB V2 are included, but there’s also a number of on-trend lifestyle shoes such as the 990v6, 1906R, 550, 327 and 574.
Puma’s offerings include the full LaMelo Ball MB line as well as Breanna Stewart and Scoot Henderson’s signature shoes.
Converse is represented by classics including the Chuck Taylor All-Star and Weapon as well as the All Star BB Prototype worn by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Reebok’s in-game sneakers are all retro models headlined by signature lines from the brand’s president and vice president of basketball, Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson.
Anta’s in-game presence is led by Kyrie Irving’s Kai 1 and also includes Klay Thompson’s signature line.
Li-Ning’s shoes include the signature sneakers of Jimmy Butler and C.J. McCollum as well as Dwyane Wade’s Way of Wade line.
Only one Rigorer shoe is included in the game: Austin Reaves’ signature AR1.
Two days after debating Donald Trump on the national stage, Vice President Kamala Harris returned to the campaign trail with her go-to Converse in tow. The Democratic presidential nominee held a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina on Sept. 12 wearing black platform Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers.
One never knows when Harris might ditch her pumps for her trusty Converse. The vice president has been sporting the popular canvas shoe for years now, with followers noticing her sneaker streak as she campaigned with Joe Biden for the 2020 presidential election. Now vying to be head of state and commander-in-chief, her platform Converse are helping her through the high stakes process.
On Sept. 12, Harris wore one of her quintessential outfits: black skinny pants with a somewhat slouchy fit, a simple off-white top and a blazer to match her pants. On the spectrum of formality, this is one of her looks that falls closer to the casual side, though still generally exuding a powerful, sophisticated aura. Of course, her pearl necklace — of the Chucks and pearls trend — also contributed a graceful air to her aesthetic.
Harris’ Converse certainly contributed a relatable casual energy to her ensemble, serving as a laid-back counterpoint to her sharp blazer and pearls. Harris has been favoring the platform variation of the famous Chuck Taylor All Star lately, often stepping out in the sneaker that is raised subtly above the usual Chuck height.
A white rubber sole, cap toe, wide laces and silver eyelets are some of the defining features that make the Chuck Taylor instantly recognizable. The All Star branding is also integral to the design, with the high top iteration of the shoe featuring the iconic patch on the side. The low top version of the Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform shoe retails for $70 while the high top version is $75.
With a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, Converse is an American brand with deep roots in the popular culture of the United States. Chuck Taylors were trendy when Harris was coming of age and they remain one of the most popular sneaker brands among youth and adults alike.
Though offered in many colors, Harris has been sticking with black Converse lately, allowing them to blend with apparel in shades like black, blue and white. When she wants to go full power suit mode, she is known to slip into a pair of classic pumps, like the black pair she wore on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in August.
A Ma Maniére has revealed another video teaser to its upcoming short film, “While You Were Sleeping.”
In the first teaser, A Ma Maniére revealed the cinematic universe it had created, introducing the Creative Resource Agency (CRA), which the retailer explained “actualizes the concept of a ‘Black Tax’ on minority creatives.” The second teaser introduced two creatives that A Ma Maniére stated are central to the film’s narrative: Complex editor in chief Aria Hughes and marketer turned storyteller Bimma Williams.
“Bringing Aria Hughes and Bimma Williams into this project was a natural choice,” James Whitner, owner and founder of A Ma Maniére parent company The Whitaker Group, told FN. “Aria’s eye for cultural storytelling and her deep understanding of the fashion landscape add layers of authenticity to our narrative. Bimma’s transformation from marketing to storytelling represents the kind of boundary-pushing creativity we value at A Ma Maniére. Together, they capture the essence of what it means to be at the forefront of culture, making them indispensable to our vision.”
The film — which A Ma Maniére explained draws inspiration from action and suspense cult classics — was directed by the award-winning Turner Brothers, Julien and Justen Turner. Diving deeper into the film, A Ma Maniére stated it “blends mystery, intensity, intrigue and stylish ensemble cast heist elements” to tell “a compelling story of minority creatives navigating a world rife with cultural exploitation.”
Hughes and Williams are the latest two cast members revealed, a lineup that includes major names across several industries including Angelo Baque of Awake NY, Chris Gibbs of Union LA, Jennifer Ford of Premium Goods in Houston, Nina Chanel Abney, Hebru Brantley, Cam Kirk, Jae Tips and Frank Cooke, among several others.
What’s more, A Ma Maniére stated this film and its teasers continue the rollout of its 10-year anniversary collection with Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse. The range, which the retailer debuted in August, includes three Jordan silhouettes (Air Jordan 3, Air Jordan 4, Air Jordan 39), two from Nike models (Air Force 1, Air Max 95) and one from Converse (Weapon Low).
The full film, according to A Ma Maniére, is set for a nationwide release in theaters this fall.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
Kendrick Lamar has been revealed as the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show performer, adding another jewel to his ornate crown after arguably the most exciting year of his career.
The rapper won’t take the stage for another several months, but there is already plenty of speculation about what his performance will have in store for the millions that tune in for football’s biggest night. Given that he is not only a Pulitzer prize winning musician but a style icon as well — calling himself “best-dressed moving forward” in his 2023 song “The Hillbillies” — one can only predict how he might translate his fashion sense for a stage of this magnitude.
Lamar is a noted fan of sneakers and often throws on a pair for his performances. Moreover, he’s been involved in a number of sneaker collaborations over the years with major brands including Reebok, Nike and Converse. Whether he’s headlining Coachella or attending a fashion show, he knows how to make a statement in a sneaker — though he’ll sometimes switch it up with a different silhouette as well, like a cowboy boot.
Ahead of Lamar’s halftime performance, see below for some of the best shoes he’s worn thus far over the years that might give fans some indication on what footwear he will put on for the halftime show.
In June of this year, Lamar performed at his concert The Pop Out wearing red and white Nike Shox R4 sneakers.
Appearing at a Formula One event in February, the rapper accented a black and white suit with bright green Nike sneakers, the Kobe 6 Protro Grinch.
Attending a Chanel show in Paris earlier this year, Lamar sat next to Naomi Campbell wearing a pair of black and white Adidas Crazy 8 sneakers.
2023
Performing at Bonnaroo in June 2023, Lamar completed his outfit with a pair of Nike Cortez in a white, black and blue colorway. The classic style is a favorite of the rapper’s — he even worked with Nike to create his own version in 2017 inspired by his album “DAMN.”
Accepting the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2023, Lamar took the stage wearing the Martine Rose x Nike Shox Mule MR4 in Scuba Blue.
2022
Lamar made a surprise appearance at Coachella in 2022 wearing a pair of custom cowboy boots by Rocketbuster which paid tribute to the artist with a number of nods to his life and career.
2017
While headlining Coachella in 2017, Lamar wore a pair of white vans to match his all-white outfit.
In all black the same day at Coachella, Lamar went for his trusty Nike Cortez sneakers — this time in a black colorway with white accents.
2015
Lamar chose Timberland Boots while performing onstage for Kanye West’s Yeezus Tour.
While performing during Kanye West’s Yeezus Tour in 2015, Lamar left the sneakers offstage and wore a pair of classic Timberland boots.