Converse “Uncomfortable” sneakers with watermelon-shaped denim tears

Designer Tremain Emory reveals how “uncomfortable” Converse was with his watermelon-inspired shoe idea for the Chuck 70 collaboration.

The Denim Tears founder sat down with legendary Def Jam artist Rick Rubin on his podcast where explained why he never did a collaboration with Converse within the wake of 2020’s pan-African flag Chuck Taylor. According to Emory, his idea for a watermelon-themed sneaker was deemed too controversial for Converse to navigate the present racial climate they usually desired to avoid being recognized for a racist.

“The difference in the situation was they called me, they told me, they weren’t depressed, they didn’t want to do it,” Emory said at about 2:14:35. “They didn’t like the photo.”

The watermelon sneakers could be a follow-up to the Chuck 70 high and low sneakers released in October 2020, which featured the Pan-African flag on the upper. The shoes, which were released a month before the controversial presidential election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, served as a nod to encourage Black creators to vote.

Despite Converse’s opposition to the sneaker, Emory stuck to its vision and released the Denim Tears S/S 2024 “Kiss My Grits” collection earlier this month, featuring food-inspired pieces. T-shirts, hoodies and two-piece sets with images of watermelons, sweet potatoes, green beans and other popular items from the soul food menu.

Earlier this month, Denim Tears also partnered with Japanese brand Comme des Garçons to create a watermelon-themed accessories collection, featuring a watermelon wallet and print skin zipper bag.

Emory is thought for representing Black history and culture through its clothing. He resigned from his position as creative director at Supreme last yr interference is collaborating with the brand on a collaboration with artist Arthur Jafa that may feature imagery from a chunk of artwork depicting a formerly enslaved Black man.