Converse and BEAMS Release 1976-Inspired All Star

Converse and Japanese retailer BEAMS have launched a collaborative collection of the iconic ALL STAR J sneaker, commemorating BEAMS' 50th anniversary. This special release draws inspiration directly from the 1976 iteration of the ALL STAR, the same year BEAMS was founded, establishing a thematic link between the two brands' histories. The collection features both a low-top (OX) and a high-top (HI) version of the sneaker, both meticulously crafted to evoke the appearance of a well-worn canvas shoe that has seen years of use. The ALL STAR, a foundational model for Converse since its introduction in 1917, boasts a silhouette that has remained remarkably consistent over a century, making it an ideal canvas for reinterpretation and a symbol of enduring design. For this 50th-anniversary project, BEAMS has pinpointed the 1976 version as its reference, aligning the shoe's design with the retailer's origins and highlighting the shared heritage between Converse and BEAMS. Both sneaker models are presented in a "Faded Black" colorway, achieved through a unique washing treatment applied to the canvas fabric, which deepens the faded black tone from which the colorway derives its name. The construction details are carefully selected to reflect late-1970s specifications. This includes specific side stitching and the use of cotton laces, both characteristic of earlier ALL STAR models. The high-top version further enhances the vintage aesthetic with a notched ankle patch, a detail accurate to the period. A distinctive "MADE FOR BEAMS" label is featured on the heel, and the binding tape is finished in an unbleached ecru, contributing to an aged, rather than new, appearance. Internally, the insoles showcase a dual-branded design, pairing Converse's "MADE IN JAPAN" mark with the BEAMS logo, a unique element created specifically for this collaboration. Both the OX and HI models are manufactured in Japan, underscoring a commitment to quality and heritage. The vintage theme extends to the packaging, with the collaboration presented in a shoebox designed to replicate Converse's 1970s packaging, further immersing the consumer in the era and backstory of this special release. The Converse All Star J Ox "BEAMS 50th" is priced at ¥25,300 JPY (approximately $160 USD), and the Converse All Star J Hi "BEAMS 50th" is priced at ¥25,850 JPY (approximately $165 USD). Both models are available for purchase now through BEAMS.