After three successful collaborative collections, Converse and Marimekko announce the continuation of their partnership for spring 2012. In the Converse ♥ Marimekko Spring 2012 collection the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star, Chuck Taylor All Star PJ and Jack Purcell Helen shoes get a spring-like boost of five signature prints from two distinguished Marimekko master designers Maija Isola and Annika Rimala.
Behind four of the much loved patterns of the collection is Maija Isola, one of the most productive designers in the 60-year-long history of Marimekko. Her original work is not only delightful but also comes with lovable anecdotes. One of her most recognizable designs, Unikko (poppy) originally from 1964, was born as protest after the company had publicly announced they would never print a floral pattern. This upcoming spring, this lauded classic comes into bloom in the Chuck Taylor All Star shoe along another icon pattern, Lokki (seagull) from 1961. This joyful print charming with its distinctively uneven edges will give a nice pop of color also to the Jack Purcell Helen shoe suchlike the gleeful Appelsiini (orange). This lush print created in 1950 was inspired by the delicious bargain oranges that the designer ate during her stay in Spain. Besides Lokki and Appelsiini, the more subtle Muija (woman) pattern from 1968 will also give a fresh look to the Jack Purcell Helen shoe in a yellow coloring kicking off the season even before the first sunny spring days are here.
In addition to these lively patterns, the geometric Kameka print designed by Annika Rimala will come to life in the Chuck Taylor All Star PJ shoe. Originally from 1964, the pattern draws inspiration from the hand-tooled carvings that the designer saw in Mayan temples in Mexico. In spring 2012, the shoe is featured in two color ways, electric blue and pink, giving a fun twist to this otherwise timeless design.
The new Converse ♥ Marimekko collection will be available starting from February 2012 at premium retail outlets, selected Marimekko stores and online.
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
MARIMEKKO:
Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, +358 9 758 7328, tiina.alahuhta-kasko@marimekko.fi
Maarit Heikkilä, +358 9 758 7321, maarit.heikkila@marimekko.fi
CONVERSE:
Lacy Pica, +1 646-563-7830, lacy.pica@converse.com
Keith Gulla, +1 646-563-7318, keith.gulla@converse.com
About Converse
Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 58 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at www.converse.com