Target Announces Partnership With Converse

 

MINNEAPOLIS (January 2008) — Target announces its latest partnership with Converse to offer One Star vintage-inspired lifestyle apparel and footwear exclusively at Target stores nationwide and at Target.com beginning in February 2008. The One Star collection, marking the latest long-term collaboration between two mega brands, offers exclusive lifestyle and vintageinspired contemporary sportswear collections for men and women, including denim, non-denim bottoms, knits, wovens, graphic tees, sweaters, dresses and outerwear. One Star footwear includes exclusive and limited-edition product for men, women, and children.

 

The One Star label made its debut in 1974 with a low-cut, suede version of the original Converse basketball oxford with the iconic Converse five-point star design on its side. The One Star shoe quickly became a national phenomenon. It was adopted by the West Coast surf and skate scene of the 1970s and 1980s, and later by the grunge music scene of the 1990s, as a badge of honor — a retro statement of their alternative and rebellious lifestyle. Since then, the One Star brand has remained an iconic franchise for optimistic rebels. 

 

“We are extremely excited about our partnership with Target to create unique and compelling lifestyle options for men and women. The contemporary lifestyle collections speak to the Target guest and offer a next generation shopping experience,” said Craig Reynolds, General Manager and Business Director, One Star Apparel & Accessories.

 

“The One Star collection brings a spirited, modern aesthetic to our existing fashion program making their one-of-a-kind, vintage designs and iconic name accessible to all,” said Trish Adams, senior vice president, Target. “The collection is sure to appeal to guests with an eye for detail, providing on-trend affordable options for style-conscious men and women everywhere.”

 

The One Star brand continues to be an influential part of Converse’s rich heritage in sports and music as the Converse brand celebrates its centennial in 2008. For Target, the One Star collection focuses on the tension between classic sportswear and vintage athletic influences, juxtaposing track pants with tailored, rumpled oxfords. The collection consists of conventionally performance-based pieces with a modern aesthetic, resulting in everyday looks in wearable fabrics and stylish silhouettes.

 

One Star apparel presents a complete range of separates, including vintage-inspired denim, lightweight knitwear, graphic tees, polos, feminine dresses and contemporary outerwear, and updates it by incorporating unexpected stripes, metallics and pastel prints for spring. The One Star footwear collection draws inspiration from a century of heritage and includes limited-edition graphic prints and colorways for men, women and kids. Each item in the collection boasts well-considered “hidden surprises” such as distinctive catchphrases that read “Inspire Originality” and “Be Your Own,” adding authenticity to each design and creating value for Target guests.

 

WOMEN

For women, traditional athletic pieces are updated with eye-catching details such as beading, sequins and metallics, taking a typically masculine silhouette and making it ultra-modern and feminine. Iconic eyelet grommets and half-moon details adorn each piece in the collection, calling attention to the brand’s signature style and vintage vibe. Varsity jackets, knit jersey tanks and fitted Henleys cater to the easygoing tomboy, while A-line tunics and lace-trim camisoles in flirty fabrics and subdued shades appeal to the style-conscious woman. For summer, mixing the shine of silk with matte jersey fabrics on everyday pieces creates exciting ways to dress up a weary wardrobe. Dresses are beautifully detailed with twill taping and cinched waists, and allow greater versatility between work and weekend when worn alone or over fitted jeans.

 

The One Star footwear collection offers women a variety of fabulous footwear options — from preppy oxfords in must-have colors and polka dots, to skimmers in shiny metallics and floral prints. The line also offers basic court sneakers in white leather, and flip-flops in eye-popping hues that are perfect for warmer weather.

 

MEN

For men, rock ‘n’ roll-inspired tees look polished when paired with weathered twill blazers and refined, striped polos take on a more casual feel when layered with distressed denim and drawstring track pants. Embellishments, including twill taping, knit waistbands, appliquéd numbers and the traditional One Star logo, offer pieces that suit the active, trend-driven lifestyle with timeless appeal. Notable items include boardwalk shorts and worn-in chinos with drawstring waistbands, updating a classic look with unmatched comfort. Red, navy and gray dominate the color palette, giving a nod to Converse heritage. Rugby stripes, edgy graphic prints and bold numbers abound throughout the collection to present a look that exudes the irreverent, youthful spirit of the One Star brand.

 

The spring One Star footwear collection for men includes hi-cut and oxford styles in varsity blues and chili pepper reds. Key styles include washed-canvas oxfords in khaki camouflage print, suede skate shoes as well as a washed canvas Skidgrip® footwear style in a versatile blue stripe. 

 

CHILDREN

The children’s One Star footwear collection includes hi-cut canvas sneakers and classic oxfords for boys, and heart print skimmers and slip-on styles for girls. Stand-out pieces include a seasonal print Skidgrip footwear style for boys and a silver skimmer for girls.

 

ABOUT TARGET 

Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,591 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at www.Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

 

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 25 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at www.converse.com.