From Axl Rose to AC/DC, Metallica to The Rolling Stones, Converse has made a name for itself by joining forces and creating distinct shoes with some of the biggest and most innovative musical groups in the past few decades. For 2012, Converse has teamed up with the virtually based but very real and very famous Gorillaz, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, and the release of the Converse signature, ‘Three Artists. One Song’ – an original track titled ‘Do Ya Thing’ featuring Gorillaz, James Murphy and Andre 3000 of OutKast.

Releasing on February 23rd are four unique design concepts, which combine the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star silhouette with the award-winning designs of Gorillaz co-creator, Jamie Hewlett. Each exclusive design incorporates elements from their groundbreaking artwork creating a distinctive collection inspired by the band.

The collection features military inspired camouflage print, taken from the cover of their self-titled debut, a black/brown canvas hi-top in the same military vein, and others with a collage of images from their album artwork created specifically for this collaboration.

For those in the London area on February 15th, the Gorillaz Sound System will play at the legendary 100 Club in London to celebrate the collection and upcoming release of ‘Do Ya Thing.’ Please visit www.converse.co.uk or www.gorillaz.com for more details and ticket info.

The free track will be available for download at www.facebook.com/converse on February 23, 2012 with a video releasing on the 29th.

- Joy Yoon

More looks in our gallery…

Canstruction is a competition held each year in New York, utilising artists can-based sculptures. It’s all for charity and some of the sculptures include a Converse Chuck Taylor, that Alexander McQueen shoe and, of course, an Angry Birds sculpture. (Fubiz)

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This summer, Amsterdam’s Tenue de Nimes delivered a well received hand dyed indigo Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low. The sold out of the short run in no time. We heard talk that they would be back again in high-top form and here they are. As Highsnobiety tells us, “50 pairs of the shoes were dyed by the Manabe family from Okoyama – owners of Japanese denim label Momotaro and the Rampuya dyeing factory. The shoes, each of which is unique and hand-numbered, will be available November 26th at Tenue de Nimes.”

More at Highsnobiety.

The Varvatos work with Converse, by some people’s theories, looked to have been a short relationship. Truth of the matter is the line actually gets better by the season. These Pro Leather sneakers from the Autumn/Winter 2011 collection come in in low dark olive or dark brown on the high-top. Waxed suede uppers finish them nicely. Por Vocacao has them.

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We like Jack Purcell’s but we hate their insoles. So, you can imagine the quandary we’re in (yes, it is a quandary these problems matter) when a new version of the trainer comes out. Especially when they’re in a handsome burgundy leather. Actually, we might have been a tad dramatic a couple of sentences ago – we’d just put different insoles in them. (Crooked Tongues)

The First String line from Converse is doing an incredible job of elevating the brand into a position that deserves attention. An great example is this SAK made collaborative doctor’s bag made from Italian brown leather. It features hands, a detachable shoulder strap and Converse sole prints on the interior bottom. 14 total bags were produced. Aloha Rag has them.

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Tenue de Nîmes is launching a collection of special, hand-dyed, natural indigo, customized Converse Chuck Taylor All Star shoes. They’re bangers indeed. Released during Amsterdam Fashion Week, the custom indigo colored Chuck Taylor All Star shoes will be issue in a run of 50 pairs.

“Tenue de Nîmes asked the legendary denim experts, the Manabe family from Okoyama in Japan, owners of the Momotaro brand and Rampuya dyeing factory” to produce the run. The results are outstanding. They deliver and drop on July 15.

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A few special make-ups for Aloha Rag from Converse have come through recently. The Aloha Rag 20th anniversary Zip make-up may beat them all. In fact, it may well beat any sneaker this year. I’m giving it my vote for trainer for the year.  The upper is simply beautiful with its variety of fabrics. The laces are clean. Don’t tall them Thom Browne, please.

More looks after the click.

Converse deliver these stunners. The Star Tech high tops are all hand-made (which accounts for the pricepoint). The supple black leather works incredibly well against the sole and leather laces. A very premium pair of Converse, more than likely made in Italy as part of the Converse Saks series. Get them direct from Varvatos online.

More looks after the click.

Sometimes we like seeing a twist – even if it just reminds us that we liked the original better. That’s definitely the case with this high top Jack Purcell. Interesting? yes. Better than the original? No. That said, if you were never that into the plan JP, this might be the one for you. Aloha Rag has them exclusively.

Now showing with the second color way which will be available today.