Converse Legacy Bag
The Converse Run Star Motion Ox project became a fascinating exploration of legacy and revolution, a story told through the lens of footwear. With its bold silhouette, the Run Star Motion Ox felt like a declaration, a departure from the quiet rebellion of the classic Chuck Taylor All Star. It sparked a question: what does rebellion look like in the 21st century? This question led me down a rabbit hole of Converse's rich history, from its humble beginnings to its iconic status, a journey marked by evolution and enduring influence. John Updike's "The Coup" became an unexpected muse, its themes of power shifts and societal upheaval resonating with the changing landscape of youth culture. I envisioned the Run Star Motion Ox as the leader of a "coup," a symbol of a new generation claiming its voice, not through hushed whispers, but through a confident, unapologetic roar.
The packaging became a crucial part of this narrative. I wanted to create more than just a box; I wanted to craft an artifact, a testament to this transformative moment. The idea of a shoe bag, inspired by the rugged practicality of war duffle bags and the athletic spirit of basketball gear, emerged as a central motif. This bag, woven from the threads of Converse's past – its materials and design cues whispering tales of its journey – would house the Run Star Motion Ox, the standard-bearer of this new era. Encasing this bag within a clear acrylic box, like a prized artifact in a museum, felt like the perfect way to elevate it beyond mere packaging, transforming it into a collector's piece, a statement of cultural significance. And what artifact is complete without a story? A manifesto, within the box,, detailing the "coup" and outlining the vision for a future built upon Converse's enduring legacy, would accompany the shoe, adding another layer of meaning to the experience.
The design process itself was a journey of discovery. Early prototypes explored the deconstruction of the Converse star, symbolizing the disruption of the old order. I experimented with minimalist forms, eventually arriving at a box held together by basketball rope, a tangible representation of the threads that connect Converse's past and present. The final packaging is more than just a container; it's a narrative, a conversation between generations, a celebration of the Run Star Motion Ox as the embodiment of a new kind of rebellion while honoring the legacy that paved the way. It's a story of how Converse, once a symbol of quiet nonconformity, embraced the bold expression of the 21st century, proving that true rebellion is not about rejecting the past, but about building upon it, louder and bolder than ever before.
Story Telling • Research • Copy writing • packaging design • Product Design • Narrative Design
Adobe Photoshop • Adobe Lightroom • Embroidery
Manifesto (Narrative Design)
Once, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star ruled the streets—a symbol of quiet rebellion, worn by skaters, punks, and dreamers alike. Its simple canvas design and rubber sole made it the go-to sneaker for those who wanted to defy conformity without drawing too much attention. For years, it was the ultimate symbol of nonconformity.
But time marches on, and a new rebellion was brewing. The world had changed. A new generation didn’t just want to reject the mainstream—they wanted to stand out. This brought in the loud, chunky, and unapologetically bold Run Star Motion ox. With its thick platform sole and exaggerated curves, it was a sneaker designed to be noticed.
At the heart of this new rebellion was 21st Century, a former Chuck Taylor loyalist who had grown tired of the old shoe’s simplicity. For them, Chuck Taylor was a relic of the past—symbolic of a rebellion that was quiet, even passive. The world needed a louder symbol of defiance. And so, the 21st Century led the charge.
Its followers—youth raised on social media, influencers, and a culture of individuality—embraced the Run Star Motion Ox. It quickly became the face of rebellion—not just against the mainstream, but against the idea that rebellion had to be subtle. It was the loudest statement in a world that demanded attention.
But even as the Run Star Motion surged in popularity, the legacy of the Chuck Taylor didn’t disappear. In the shadows, the original Converse remained. It wasn’t gone—it had simply been transformed. Those who still wore it did so out of reverence, an acknowledgment of its timeless significance. The Chuck Taylor became a symbol of roots, the foundation on which all future rebellions had been built.
The Run Star Motion Ox may have claimed the crown of revolution for now, but the Chuck Taylor had laid the groundwork. A quiet legacy, unyielding and steady, would always be there, ready for the next wave of change. Rebellion, after all, is cyclical. When the loudness of the present fades, the quiet strength of the past is ready to rise again.
