The most important day in the Chinese lunar calendar is New Year. In the case of 2010, that day is February 14, when it officially becomes the Golden Tiger Year, which only happens once every 60 years. As you'd expect, this looming festival date is a pretty big deal - the tiger is a most auspicious sign in the zodiac, one which symbolizes strength and wards off evildoers better than pepper spray to the eyeballs.
To celebrate this most prosperous occasion, Converse has produced a Chinese New Year 2010 collection. The pack features all the Converse franchises - Chuck Taylors, Jack Purcells, classic One Stars and even a concealed Weapon to round out the pack. As you'd expect, the classic red/black/gold colourway is liberally applied with a gatling gun, with the standout piece being the black and gold hightop tiger stripe Chuck that appears to be channeling both Johnny Thunders and Jackie Chan. Embellished with 24kt stripes, gold thread embroidery and enough calligraphy to startle a steamed pork bun, the Chinese New Year pack is available from the start of the year - but only in China! Gom bui and Happy Noo Yeah... As seen in Issue 17!
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE.
One Star Leather - Chinese New Year 2010 Year of the Tiger Collection
Converse is one of the first brands to define sports-inspired lifestyle shoes, bringing the essence of sports style to everyday. Originating as a low-cut performance shoe for basketball, the Converse One Star shoe was later adopted by surfers and skaters as a retro, alternative lifestyle look. The Tiger collection combines One Star street relevance with Year of the Tiger significance.
The One Star collection is versatile and stylish with Tiger stripe graphics gracing the shoes inside detailing and gold thread embroidery of the Tiger character and face on the tongue tag. Available exclusively in China after Jan 1, 2010.
Weapon 86 Hi - Chinese New Year 2010 Year of the Tiger Collection
One of the basketball's most legendary shoes, the Converse Weapon 86 shoe made its mark dominating basketball courts, which is most fitting as an addition to the Tiger collection. A legend in its own right, the Weapon 86 shoe shares the powerful attributes of the Tiger, revered as a fighter on the court, having been worn by some of the greatest players of all time.
The Weapon 86 shoe has three leather upper variations including white textured leather with a graphic patterned red leather axis. They also feature subtle design details such as a Tiger face graphic on the footbeds, pattern detailing on the exterior red leather axis of the shoe, and gold thread embroidery of the Tiger character and face on tongue tag. High-top construction gives the shoes dependable ankle support. Available exclusively in China after January 1, 2010.
CONVERSE Chinese New Year 2010 Year of the Tiger Collection
Converse ushers in the next 12 months with its Chinese New Year 2010 Year of the Tiger Collection. Bold Tiger prints grace the collection that features vibrant colors of red, gold, and orange, the most auspicious colors in Chinese culture. The collection is linked by various adaptations of the tiger face and tiger stripe graphic. The collection is a stylish interpretation of the most important holiday traditions in China. 2010 is referred to as the "Golden Tiger Year," a highly anticipated year of great zodiac significance since it occurs only once every 60 years. In Chinese culture the tiger is an extremely auspicious and powerful animal. Symbolizing courage, power and strength, the fearless and spirited fighter is revered by the ancient Chinese as a sign that wards off evil.
The Converse Year of the Tiger Collection pays homage to this important year featuring product from each of Converse's original franchises including playful editions of the Jack Purcell, Chuck Taylor All Star, One Star and Weapon 86 shoes. Further elevating this special collection and 2010, the Year of the Tiger collection will come in special packaging design inspired by the age-old Chinese tradition of the "red envelope" to wish fortune and wealth. With a tiger graphic embossed in gold and black, the Converse shoebox is a modern interpretation of the red envelope.
Back to results
