Hiroshi Fujiwara has always been on the brink of innovation. As a result, the Japanese designer has become a legend on his own terms, setting his mark as one of the greats. Fujiwara’s fragment design label has allowed him to explore fashion through an assorted lens, naturally stepping into the world of collaboration in the process.
From Nike to Moncler and so much more, Fujiwara holds an impressive list of collaborative partners under his belt — one of the most notable being Converse. The footwear titan initially tapped FRGMT in the early 2000s, searching for the designer’s inventive viewpoint to grace its staple models. Over the past two decades, Fujiwara has done it all and released countless iterations of the Converse Chuck Taylor, One Star, and Jack Purcell.
For his latest team-up, fragment design turns to Converse’s customizable initiative, granting fanatics the freedom to design their own Chuck 70. As the first made-to-order fragment design product, thousands of unique combinations are available for a potential one-of-one creation. In addition, the color options reference previously released FRGMT x Converse collaborations, while archival brand iconography is reintroduced for the first time in decades.
From casual blue and pink shades to houndstooth prints and FRGMT’s signature lightning bolt emblem, you can choose from an extensive selection, including high and low models and a mixture of patches and midsole designs. Hiroshi Fujiwara wants you to get creative and explore freedom the FRGMT way.
The “godfather of streetwear” sat down with Hypebeast to speak about the ideation process behind the Converse x FRGMT By You collaboration – and how he injects his personality into every design.1 of 2
Converse2 of 2
Converse
You have had several collaborations with Converse in the past. What was your main goal at the start of the partnership, and how has that developed through time?
Hiroshi Fujiwara: I always design and produce items that I would want for myself. That has not changed from my very first collaboration with Converse to the most recent one.
How do you inject your identity into every Converse collaboration?
HF: I’m into different colors and patterns, and it changes from time to time, so every collaboration is true to what I like in that moment. I’ve done monotone hues in my recent Chuck 70 collaborations. For this new Converse By You, I am offering lighter colors like blue and pink — I have never done these tones with Converse before.
You are now allowing customers to design their own Converse x FRGMT product. What led you to this decision?
HF: I started ordering custom shoes through the Converse By You platforms a few years ago, and I really enjoyed it. I liked how it is accessible to anyone who wants a pair and the freedom it gives the consumer. I thought it would be fun to offer my versions of pallets in Converse By You.1 of 2
Converse2 of 2
Converse
The Converse x FRGMT project allows customers to select from various prints and colorways. How did you go about choosing these?
HF: Converse By You is for everyone who wants a pair, so I made sure there are plenty of colors for people to pick from. There are two separate pallets with variations of shades. You could go for bright spring colors or the simple monotone ones.
What can we expect from Converse x FRGMT in the near future?
HF: Converse is the essential shoe for me. I look forward to designing a different style in the near future. We will see; only time will tell.
You can design your own Converse x FRGMT By You pair now via the Converse website. The service is available for seven days only, ending on February 15.
Elsewhere, take a closer look at the Stüssy x Nike Air Max Penny 2 “Fossil.”
Source: Read Full Article