‘Time to Bring it Back’: Hiroshi Fujiwara Deconstructs the fragment x Converse Weapon
The godfather of Ura-Harajuku fashion, , has been around the block long enough to know when it’s time to revisit a classic. Originally discovering the in Japan after looking for something to skate in, Fujiwara and his exalted imprint are now applying their signature touch to the mid-80s hardwood hooper.
To celebrate the collaboration, Sneaker Freaker hooked up with fragment’s fearless leader to unpack the latest weapon in the Converse arsenal.
What was your relationship with Converse growing up?
For me, it started as a basketball shoe. The first basketball shoes I ever bought were Converse.
Tell us about the first time you saw the Weapon.
I first discovered the Weapon in the late-80s/early 90s when I started skateboarding and was looking for shoes to skate in. I remember seeing it on the shelf and thought the design was cool, and later I found out it was more so a basketball shoe.
What were some of the pieces you referenced in the archive in the lead-up to this collaboration?
Nothing particular – I thought I have not seen Weapon in a while, so I thought it was about time to bring it back.
What were the design considerations you had to make when working on the Weapon?
Staying close to original colour blocks – changing them just a tiny bit. I thought of using the blue, which indeed is somewhat iconic to my shoe designs in the past, and I thought it would look good in this particular design.
Who will be wearing this shoe? Describe the consumer in your eyes.
As usual, I designed this shoe for myself. But I would be happy if the Weapon gets reintroduced to younger kids through my collaboration.
Tell us about the future of Hiroshi and Converse. What’s up your sleeve?
I don’t know yet, but I sure hope there will be more. I enjoy both designing and wearing Converse shoes.