A location unknown to most, the city of Springfield, Massachusetts has become renown in the world of basketball. It was the birthplace and first home to the beloved sport, where Dr. James Naismith created the first 13 rules in a YMCA school. Over a century later, Boston-based Converse and famous retailer Concepts look to reflect and celebrate the state’s historic hoops past and bright future.
Taking inspiration from the peach-colored goals formed in early basketball play, the classic Chuck 70 and modern All Star BB Evo have become the canvas of the duo’s collaboration. The silhouettes chosen symbolize the brand’s humble basketball beginnings, along with their recent rise to the performance forefront. Below are a few select quotes from the Creative Director of Concepts explaining the choices made for the collaborative pairs.
“The Chuck transcends all — it’s the one sneaker that has an impact on everyone,” says Deon Point, Creative Director of Concepts. “The one angle we felt is sometimes forgotten is its roots in basketball. Not many even know the Chuck Taylor backstory, so hopefully this will shed some light on history.”
“Given the history of Converse on the court, it was only right to include the future of the brand, with the All Star BB Evo, in our consideration of the story of basketball,” says Point.
The Concepts x Converse Chuck 70 and All Star BB Evo “Southern Flame” will release on January 28 at Concepts’ Boston and New York retail locations, along with cncpts.com and converse.com. Further information can be found here.
Concepts x Converse All Star BB Evo Southern Flame
Colorway: Green / Green / Green
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Price: $140
Concepts x Converse Chuck 70 Southern Flame
Colorway: Orange / Egret / Green
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Price: $120
