Although the shape of its ever popular Chuck Taylors has remained largely unchanged, Converse, a division of Nike Inc, has always placed a great deal of focus on product personalization, even allowing its customers to design their own models online. While colors can certainly make a shoe stand out, 3D printing can make it truly special so, although it probably will not be worn anytime soon, UK studio Modla used the Chuck Taylors as inspiration for their second Damilola Odusote Sneaker Art Collaboration.
Upon request by Converse, the studio led by Jon Fidler got together with artist Damilola Odusote to create a conceptual sculpture based on the influences and culture that inspired the original model, much like they did for their first project on the Nike Air Force 1. They researched the history of the iconic shoe, from its role as the most popular sneaker ever in basketball to its use in supplying WW2 pilots and its adoption by rock and roll culture as well.
As per their previous collaboration, Odusote designed a 2D sketch, which was used by Fidler to create the digital 3D model using SolidWorks software, to be 3D printed in nylon through SLS technology. Along with the undeniable artistic value of their work, Modla has been setting an example in successfully attracting companies such as Nike and Converse to finance their project within the context of their brand marketing efforts. Such a combination benefits both the established brands’ desire to renew themselves and the will of 3D printing studios such as Modla to demonstrate the wide and growing range of possible applications.
The Converse (aka All Stars, aka Chuck Taylors) were first produced as far back as 1917, and were used by baseball player Chuck Taylor to teach the basics of basketball across the US, thus playing a fundamental role in making it the global sport it is today. It seems fit that those same sneakers can today play a role in contributing to increasing global awareness of 3D printing technologies.
