Friday, December 9, Converse announced the continuation of its successful collaboration with sneaker retailer Undefeated — now for the first time in China. Globally recognized for its sport and military inspired identity and attitude, Undefeated worked closely with Converse to create the limited-edition Undefeated for Converse First String Holiday 2011 collection that includes fresh takes on the iconic Star Player and One Star Academy shoes.

To commemorate the launch, a special evening was hosted by Converse at JUICE Shanghai, the exclusive distributor for the collection in China on Friday, December 9 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. To mark the first-ever launch of the collection to the Chinese market, Converse welcomed Undefeated founders James Bond and Eddie Cruz, along with Undefeated designer KB Lee. Over the course of three hours, over 150 guests arrived to preview the collection and meet the Undefeated crew along with Converse Director of First String/Premium products Ian Ginoza and the founders of JUICE Edison Chen and Kevin Poon.

Guests included local fashion designers Lu Kun, Chair Yuan; Chinese top models Paris Gao, Ann Wangand Ming Fei Ni; as well as famous Japanese photographer Yasumasa Yonehara. Internationally renowned music producer and DJ, Yusuke Hama aka Hamacide provided music.

Converse x Undefeated First String Collection Launch at JUICE Shanghai is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Click here to view the embedded video.

Converse x Undefeated Ballistic Black Collection Video is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

With a focus primarily on fleece, this “Expect No Mercy” Collection from Los Angeles based Undefeated makes for a great addition to their fall/winter 2011 offerings. In addition to the fleece garments that include an Eagle Strike hoodie, a No Mercy crewneck, pant and shorts, there is also an impressive M-65 jacket.

Undefeated “Expect No Mercy” Collection is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Undefeated, Stussy and Mad Hectic have teamed up once again to great effect by reworking another classic New Balance silhouette. By taking the M996, the outcome of the “SMU” is highlighted by the original design and was a pivotal piece when jogging really become a part of life during the 1980’s.

Available from Undefeated Japan.

New Balance x Undefeated x Stussy x Mad Hectic M996 “SMU” is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Heavyweights Puma and Undefeated  continue their fruitful collaboration with this new Microdot Collection. Featuring the iconic PUMA Clyde and RS silhouette as well as the premium materials you’ve come to expect from this partnership and a repeating Microdot pattern that elevates these kicks well beyond the norm. Both designs will be available from November 10 from Undefeated Chapters along other stockists include the likes of Crooked Tongues.

Puma x Undefeated Microdot Collection is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Renowned California based label Undefeated have compiled an intriguing collection based around iconic film Rocky. The collection largely features two of Rocky bitter rivals in the shape and form of Clubber Lang and Apollo Creed, with iconic imagery derived from throughout the films. Combining the Undefeated sensibilities with these images the collection consists of sweatshirts, long sleeve and short sleeve tees and are available from October 28 at UNDFTD locations and online.

Undefeated x Rocky Collection is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Undefeated have revived their relationship with Converse by reworking the popular Star Player Hi to great effect. The outcome is highlighted by a ballistic mesh panels, premium leather detailing and a distinctive orange outsole making for a compromising design.

Available now from Reed Space.

Converse x Undefeated Star Player Hi is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

The latest in the continual collaboration efforts between Puma and UNDFTD may be the finest to date. For the first time ever the classic Puma Clyde is introduced to an toe cap elevating an already outstanding shoe to new heights. Utilizing suede to canvas the upper the Coverblock Clydes have a understated sophistication and beauty that we all can appreciate. The Coverblock Clydes are set to release soon at retailers worldwide.

Puma x UNDFTD Coverblock Clydes is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

The second release from the Undefeated Fall/Winter 2011 Collection provides more evidence of the attention tributed to sports. Highlighted by sweatshirts and sweatpants, along with jerseys, knitwear, tees, caps, beanies this makes for a great release. Defined by a combination of the vocal point being sports, and the latter a more contemporary approach that is a trait of founders James Bond and Eddie Cruz. The items seen here will be available from Friday, September 30 at all UNDFTD chapter and web stores.

Undefeated Fall/Winter 2011 Collection is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Even after the release, there is still a gang of news rolling out in regards to one of the most historical releases in sneaker history, the Nike Air Mag. Adding to Undefeated’s ongoing billboard project, artist Brent Rollins, the creator of the original artwork for the Back to the Future poster series, has now released the same work on Undefeated’s billboard. If you are in LA, be sure to check it out while driving by UNDFD La Brea.

Undefeated Billboard Project featuring Brent Rollins is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Here is a quite compelling combination of labels and outcome, with The North Face, Stussy Deluxe and Undefeated coming together to great effect. The boot, dubbed ”Back-to-Berkeley” makes for a functional design with mid cut silhouette featuring nubuck suede upper and nylon specifications designed for protection against all weather. The aesthetic is defined by the contemporary approach with the basic shade of brown well contrasted with red and blue accent colors. Releasing next month in Japan be on the look out for these.

Thanks to ESPIONAGEKICKS for the info.

The North Face x Stussy Deluxe x Undefeated “Back-to-Berkeley” Boot is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Renowned California based brand and sneaker boutique Undefeated are set to open there latest store, with a new space in San Francisco. Having made a name for themselves with a unique concept which really put them at the forefront of not only sneaker culture but sport culture, UNDFTD have gone from strength to strength by also completing some of the best collaborations around. With the opening set for September 9, I am certain the new space will come as welcoming news for those in San Francisco.

UNDFTD San Francisco / 516 Hayes Street / San Francisco / CA 94102 / United States

UNDFTD San Francisco Store is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Here is a closer look at the Star Player High, Academy Low, A.L.I.C.E. Pack that compromise the Converse x Undefeated Ballistic White Collection. Releasing on August 19 exclusive to UNDFTD Chapters, this makes for a great addition to the navy collection which release not so long ago, and with the timing, white is an ideal color for summer.

Converse x Undefeated Ballistic White Collection is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Following up from the initial release in navy, Converse and Undefeated have revisited the Ballistic Collection in white.

Converse x Undefeated Ballistic White Collection is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

“APPLEBUM”, put their unique sense that was raised in Asia’s representative city Tokyo, as well as the “fresh” influence from Hip Hop into their clothes making. Their own style of making ideas into designs and into shapes with a special Japanese wit “a sense of fine balance” makes them  one of a few brands who carries Japanese identity to the world. They have done a number of collaborations with active artists around the world such as the foreign artists “WU-TANG CLAN” and “Q-Tip”, and also “MURO”, “DJ KENTARO”, “Mighty Crown” from Japan. In recent years, as they took a part in the big project by “STUSSY”, their vigorous activity is fresh in our memory.

On the other hand, the leading street brand “UNDEFEATED” is based on the west coast of the U.S. and they are born with the genuine American culture, and also familiar with sports and military. They have worked on collaboration model/consulting with a number of national sport brand such as “NIKE”, “adidas”, “PUMA”, “NEW BALANCE” and “REEBOK”, and also all the shoe brands from “VANS”, “CONVERSE”, “K・SWISS”, “TIMBERLAND” to “visvim”.

These two brands stand up to create a new foundation of street culture in this “TOKYO” with a lead of “UNDEFEATED TOKYO” which had a renewal shift at the end of May 2011. A work piece with impressive lettering of graphics that visually appeal to people’s emotions which increases a sense of belonging to the brand, or another piece with a scene drawn, that symbolizes a dramatic story. A rush of ideas have been expressed with APPLEBUM’s original graphics, to mark the beginning of new relationship between LA-TOKYO. The collection is also oriented to introduce the bonds and strength of local communities in TOKYO.

”daddy”

When the story comes in mind vividly at a glance, that is a proof of the best storyteller who can drive the viewer into own world in a moment. No explanation is needed for a scene of arousing feeling of joy, and it proves that there is no language barrier in those inspirational moments. “Sneaker culture” apparently seems to have dissociated from the ordinary life. But the scene reminds that it can actually happen to anyone, it is right next to the casual, everyday moments. The scene which any father of a child would imagine, is drawn into an impressive piece with a warm touch, which is APPLEBUM’s specialty.

”croma”
Sport makes people crazy with excitement regardless of nationality or race, age, gender. UNDEFEATED, who has great love for the American sports, has made extensive use of graphics that’s related to sports, to their main apparel collections since their founding.

On the other hand, when it comes to the God of basketball born in America, the APPLEBUM crew has strong faith that’s no less than Americans. In this piece, by exploring the exciting moments in sports from the Japanese perspective, and made it into a challenging piece which was assembled from scratch as a sport graphics. And the Japanese pro baseball, which is a representative sport of Japan. Motif is an American backer who kept shining out with his power and presense in the midst of the former players who played spectacularly. The famous, lively scene is expressed completely with the logos of both brands who are self-confessed representative sport freaks of the U.S. and Japan.

”TOKYO23”

The biggest attraction of this collection is the “graphic” that represents a bridge between the street culture of LA – TOKYO. Among gangstar culture which was derived from LA street, distinctive lettering signs indicating their communities have played an important role in enhancing a sense of belonging and strong solidarity among the group. In this piece, “old English font” was restructured nattily with Japanese letters. It’s a piece of work that represents Tokyo local community who have particularly strong bonds, and we hold it as a proof of Japanese.

Undefeated x Applebum ‘TOKYO23′ Project is a post from: SLAMXHYPE