Campaign Launches in Over 75 Countries Across EMEA, Asia Pacific and the Americas and Features James Dean, Sid Vicious, Hunter S. Thompson, Dwyane Wade, Billie Joe Armstrong, Common, M.I.A. and many more
February 25, 2008
N. ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 2008 Converse Inc. will commemorate its centennial year as one of the world's most coveted, iconic brands with the global launch of a new advertising campaign entitled "Connectivity." This new campaign celebrates 100 years of disrupting the status quo and features legendary icons from the worlds of music, art, sports and fashion. Rolling out around the world from February 2008, "Connectivity" is a striking artistic showcase of true originals who define the essence of the Converse brand since 1908. The advertising visually 'connects' past and present Converse icons brought together by their optimistic rebellion and homage to the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe.
Legendary icons featured in the global campaign include the ultimate 20th Century rebel, James Dean; gonzo journalist, Hunter S. Thompson; and Sex Pistols bassist and original punk idol, Sid Vicious. These cultural heroes from the past are shown 'connecting' with today's influencers including female rocker, Joan Jett; eclectic urban music star, M.I.A; Green Day's infamous Grammy award winning front man, Billie Joe Armstrong; Grammy award winning hip hop star and actor, Common; basketball player and Converse athlete Dwyane Wade; and lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Karen O. Additional regional icons include Ian Curtis (UK), Jefferson Hack (UK), Carlos Diez Diez (Spain), Jane Birkin (France), Nina Hagen (Germany), Kim, Jung Man (Korea), Cui Jian (China), Darren Cordeux (Australia), Jose Fernando Emilio (Mexico) and Sandro (Argentina).
"Converse is the footwear company that was first in sports and first in rock 'n' roll. We are extremely proud of our history and excited about our journey into the next century. Connectivity is an exceptional global campaign that fully captures our spirit and brand ethos celebrating true originals. The campaign is bold and iconic saluting those people - past and present - who push the boundaries of creativity, who inspire originality and who embody the values of the brand." said Geoff Cottrill, Chief Marketing Officer, Converse.
The global advertising campaign will be unveiled in over 75 countries across the EMEA, Asia Pacific and the Americas via a mix of impactful print and outdoor, digital and integrated brand marketing executions. Regional adaptations of "Connectivity" will roll out locally throughout Spring 2008 with country specific Converse icons joining the campaign and legendary line-up. "Connectivity" is a fully integrated marketing campaign created by New York City based creative agency Anomaly using distinctive and optimistically rebellious creative direction completely shot in monochrome and using hand-painted straplines and logo placement. For more information about Converse and the campaign visit www.converse.com.
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 35 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at www.converse.com.
Contacts
Converse Inc.
Cheryl Calegari, 646-563-7362
cheryl.calegari@converse.com
or
Converse EMEA
Neil Stevens, 0031 35 626 9358
Brand Development Director
neil.stevens@converse.com
