The base model is the ultra-geeky Japanese-made Converse "Marine Star.
First of all, please tell us how this project came to be.
Konno: We were first approached by Urban Research to collaborate with Converse on a project. We have had a long relationship with Converse since the brand was first launched, and it was with Converse that NEXUSⅦ collaborated with the sneaker brand for the first time. In working on this project, I had a number of ideas with the team at Urban Research, our retailer, and we discussed what to base the project on from Converse's historic lineup.
- "Urban Research" and "NEXUSⅦ." have been collaborating with each other on an ongoing basis, haven't they?
Hase: We have been working together for a long time, and our customers as well as our staff look forward to each project. During our discussions this time, we learned through an acquaintance of Mr. Konno's that there was a "Marine Star" model from the 1990s in "Converse," and we decided to use it as the basis for the production.
-When did the project begin to take concrete shape?
Konno: We began discussions with Converse around 2020, and officially started work in 2022. There was a temporary pause due to the Corona disaster, but in cooperation with Urban Research, we collected materials on past deck shoes and studied in detail which elements to incorporate and in what form. In particular, we made numerous adjustments to the materials and design.
-How did Mr. Kurihara participate?
Konno: As we discussed the project, we decided to ask Mr. Kurihara, who has a deep knowledge of "Converse," to participate in this project if we were going to go to the trouble of creating these items. Since he is familiar with vintage "Converse," we thought he would be able to design and select materials based on the historical background. Well, it sounds cool to say it like this, but I simply asked for help (laughs).
Kurihara: Since Konno asked me to do it, there was no way I could refuse (laughs).
Konno: I really appreciate you saying so (laughs). Kurihara-kun gave me advice especially on materials and parts.
-Did you know about Marine Star, Mr. Kurihara?
Kurihara: No, it was something I had never seen before. You said "Marine Star" was a Japanese project manufactured in the 90's, right?
Shimura: That's right.
Kurihara: Personally, I was only interested in American-made "Converse" at the time, so I did not check out the Japanese models. Nevertheless, the Japanese-planned models from the 1990s look very fresh when I look at them now.
-Did you know about Marine Star, Mr. Shimura?
Shimura: No, I did not know that. After I heard about it, I started digging through catalogs and other materials. There were several "Marine Star" models in the "Converse" lineup, and it seems that at the time, they modified the materials and other aspects of the shoes for each season. It seems that there were many other designs based on deck shoes other than the "Marine Star.
Kurihara: It was made over a rather long span of time, wasn't it?
Shimura: As for the canvas upper model, it seems that it was the standard and was made for about 10 years. As I mentioned earlier, the design varied depending on the year, so some models did not have the one-star.
Kurihara: At that time, the term "heel star" may not have existed.
The model that Mr. Shimura brought for reference. Photoleftfirst volume (e.g. book):leftleftis the denim "Marine Star" released at the time, and on the right is the "One Star Deck Shoes" to be released this time. While the general framework is the same, a comparison reveals differences in the detailed nuances. Photorightunder (esp. influence or guidance)Dead stock of the "Smooth Leather All Star," Converse's first tennis shoe made of smooth leather, introduced in 1972. Commonly known as the "Heelster" due to the design of the heel counter.
