Barriers Worldwide Draws Inspiration From The North Star, A 19th Century Anti-Slavery Newspaper, For Converse Collaboration

Jovani Hernandez June 30, 2022

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Founded in 2015 and based in New York City, Barriers Worldwide is the vision of Steven Barter, a Valley Stream, New York-native who aims to educate through streetwear. Recently, the former-Visual Merchandiser at Nike unveiled his brand’s first-ever collaboration with Converse.

Drawing inspiration from The North Star, a 19th century publication focused on anti-slavery sentiment, Barter has reimagined the Chuck 70, Pro Leather and court-ready apparel in a way that makes Black history palpable to youth culture. The made-for-basketball designs have been reworked through the lens of lifestyle and culture, with a star motif linking the Boston-based institution to the centuries-old and long-defunct newspaper Barriers Worldwide has referenced. The revolutionary canvas-covered high-top of the capsule is given a premium makeover, with “Black” material setting the stage for a series of embroidered text, co-branding and other details like heritage-inspired laces. “Egret”-colored sole units and toe caps indulge in an “aged” aesthetic that draw comparisons to old physical newspaper copies. By contrast, the Pro Leather is covered in brown suede fabric, with “BARRIERS” branding landing at thew lateral profile and top of the tongue. Sherpa-covered star-chevron logos also appear at the sides, while cowry shell-like lace dubraes offer protection to the wearer.

Enjoy product shots of the collection here below, and find all products landing via Barriers Worldwide and Converse.com on Thursday, July 31st. Both the Barriers Chuck 70 and Pro Leather are priced at $110 USD.

For more from under the NIKE, Inc. umbrella, check out the latest Air Jordan 4 retros, which include to pairs modified for skateboarding.

A01786c

WHERE TO BUY

Mens Barriers x Converse Chuck 70

SKU: A01786C

RETAIL PRICE: $110

RELEASE DATE: Jul 21, 2022

US 07/21/2022 Thursday

Retailer	Release type	Status
Converse US	Standard	Check Site
Concepts	Standard	Check Site

Get on the Where to Buy list

A01787c

WHERE TO BUY

Mens Barriers x Converse Pro Leather

SKU: A01787C

RETAIL PRICE: $110

RELEASE DATE: Jul 21, 2022

US 07/21/2022 Thursday

Retailer	Release type	Status
Converse US	Standard	Check Site
Concepts	Standard	Check Site

Get on the Where to Buy list

Barriers Converse Pro Leather A01787c 3

Barriers Converse Chuck 70 A01786c 3

Written by

Jovani Hernandez, Editor

Jovani Hernandez joined Sneaker News in December 2019. He’s covered breaking news about adidas Yeezy and interviewed Reebok CEO Todd Krinsky amongst his 5,800 posts. A sub-5-hour-marathoner, he now enjoys running sneakers the most, but fondly reminisces about Nike Basketball and Sportswear from 2007 to 2014.