Barneys New York Debuts Exclusively Ours Styles From Converse

Barneys New York is having a Converse moment — again.

The upscale retailer is debuting its fifth round of Sole Series with Exclusively Ours styles from Converse. Based on the original Chuck Taylors, the new series features crinkled, patent leather high-tops with leather linings and clear outsoles. The new XO style was made in three classic color ways: black, white and red.

“Converse was actually the first company we ever did a sneaker collaboration with — over a decade ago,” said senior men’s fashion buyer Chris Pepe, who spearheads BNY Sole Series. He worked alongside Converse on a loose lamination texture for the collection.

According to Pepe, over the last few months, the store has introduced limited-edition styles from Adidas, Vans, Filling Pieces and Timberland. “Converse was actually the first company we did a sneaker collaboration with — over a decade ago,” said Pepe. “We created metallic silver and bronze styles that are now sold widely, but originated at Exclusively Ours.”

You won’t see these limited edition @Converse kicks anywhere else. https://t.co/W2M2L5N226 #BNYSoleSeries pic.twitter.com/D00orboGRm

— Barneys New York (@BarneysNY) October 22, 2015

Pepe said several years later, the store did another limited-edition run with Converse, this time featuring perforated patent leather XO styles in the same classic Converse colors as the new issue. “I think most people have a connection with the brand, especially this classic silhouette, Like so many others, I’ve worn Chuck Taylors my whole life.”