Converse announces its Number (N)ine for Converse collection. The collaboration seems especially fitting for Takahiro who sees Converse as a sort of beginning and an end. “My childhood started with Converse” he says, noting that with the closing of Number (N)ine, that Converse has a special existence in relation to both his youth and the end of Number (N)ine.

Converse worked closely with Takahiro to create his interpretations of the Chuck Taylor All Star Asymmetrical oxford with premium deer skin, yellow shag suede uppers, asymmetrical lacing and a metallic gold star on the shoe’s heel. And a One Star ’74 Asymmetrical oxford with premium deer skin white shag suede uppers, asymmetrical lacing and a silver metallic star on the shoe’s heel. Taking a hybrid approach, Takahiro chose to incorporate the asymmetrical lacing of the 1970 and ‘80s era Converse Odessa shoe into his design. The Odessa shoe, which was originally designed for running, was super innovative for its time and a shoe from the Converse archives that Takahiro has long admired. Following the Chuck Taylor All Star and One Star versions, Converse will debut the Number (N)ine version of the Odessa trainer in early 2010.

The shoes global launch will is March 13, 2010 at select retailers globally including Aloha Rag, Blends, Colette, Dover Street Market, and Patta . All shoes will retail for $140 and will be available in unisex sizing.