Bigger Than Ever: Rick Owens Talks His Latest Converse Collab
Now a staple collab within footwear, the statement Converse x Rick Owens DRKSHDW team-up is one that we can't help but give our attention to whenever something new arrives.
This time around, Owens once again adds his signature flare to the Chuck Taylor 70, giving the iconic silhouette an elevated and "louder" feel compared to its predecessor, which is really saying something.
Dubbed the DBL DRKSTAR Chuck 70, the latest installment into the Rick Owens and Converse catalog feels like it belongs more to the platform family than truly identifying with proper sneaker genealogy. Still, I guess that's the beauty of Rick Owens–– it's all things at once and utterly separate from everything at the same time.
While this is undoubtedly an authentic Rick-esque silhouette, the original Chuck Taylor sneaker elements are still visible, albeit stacked much higher than usual, giving the shoe a familiar essence amid the enigmatic designer's elevated vision.
Want to check out the imaginative design yourself? Stop by Highsnobiety's Neu York activations during NYFW to peep the exclusive NYC iteration of Converse x DRKSHDW's newest collab starting September 8.
To get more information on how this collab came to life, we spoke with the Lord of Darkness himself on his purpose behind creating the DBL DRKSTAR Chuck 70.
You’ve referenced Converse since before you collaborated with the brand. Can you tell me about your relationship with the Chuck 70?
A WHILE BACK, I WANTED A BIG, DUMB, LOUD, SNOTTY LOOK FOR MYSELF - I WANTED TO BE THE RAMONES- SO I DID MY VERSION OF WHAT I THOUGHT A BIG, DUMB, LOUD, SNOTTY, SNEAKER WOULD LOOK LIKE……..AND HERE WE ARE…...
What was your approach when creating the new DRKSHDW DBL DRKSTAR HI? This might be the most exaggerated shape you’ve created with the Chuck 70 so far.
BIGGER, LOUDER, DUMBER, HIGHER
Platform footwear has become something of a staple in your collections. What is it that you like about these oversized shapes?
I LIKE HAVING AN EXCUSE TO PHYSICALLY AFFECT PEOPLE- ALTERING THE WAY SOMEONE MOVES DELIGHTS ME....AND HAVING A TALLER, LONGER, HEAVIER, SWINGIER STRIDE ISN'T THE WORST THING TO DO TO SOMEONE.
Alongside Converse, we’ve seen you work with some of the most established brands around. Does working with other companies help to push you creatively?
I LIKE MEETING NEW PEOPLE AND TAKING ANY EXCUSE TO PROMOTE MY AGENDA OF CELEBRATING THE WEIRDO IN ALL OF US. I AM TRYING TO BE SOMEONE WHO REPRESENTS EMPATHY AND GENTLE TOLERANCE- THIS MAY NOT COME THROUGH TO EVERYONE, BUT LET ME KEEP WORKING ON IT
We’ve created an exclusive NY-themed pair of the sneakers. What is it about New York that made it a hotspot for people to be able to express themselves freely through fashion?
A SENSE OF COMPETITION. FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE.
Can you give us insight into what the future holds for the Converse x DRKSHDW collaboration?
BIGGER, LOUDER, DUMBER, DARKER AND KINDER
Offered in black and ivory colorways, the Converse x DRKSHDW DBL DRKSTAR will launch on September 8 and be available at the Highsnobiety Shop.
