NIKE, Inc. : Converse Introduces the Spring 2012 Black Canvas Premium Apparel Collection

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (January 18, 2012) - Today, Converse Inc. announces the launch of its Spring 2012 Black Canvas premium men's apparel collection, introducing warm weather styles and fabrications for the first time since its launch in Fall 2011. Key pieces for the season include lightweight cotton henleys, French terry hoodies, slim-fit cargo pants and vintage inspired tees - laidback, iconic pieces that will transition effortlessly through the spring months.

The latest collection fuses Converse's signature rock n' roll aesthetic with an athletic-inspired functionality while incorporating unique distressed details and vintage graphics. Materials are highly texturized, lightweight and breathable, including twisted yarns, wrinkled cotton, faded dyes and coated canvas.

This season's stonewashed palette incorporates shades of dusty red, heather grey, muted blue, military green and faded yellow, all dyed to appear as if they aged over a lifetime in the sun. The look and feel of the Spring collection evokes an aged sensibility updated in modern silhouettes; classic cargo pants are cut for a slimmer fit with exposed stitching, while a traditional biker jacket unzips to reveal an unexpected activewear mesh lining.

This Spring, Converse continues to pull from the brand's rich history while exploring the next frontier of fashion. Black Canvas celebrates personal style and offers versatile wardrobe staples that are sure to be future classics.

The Spring 2012 Black Canvas Collection will be available nationwide at specialty retailers, department stores, and online at www.converse.com beginning February 1, 2012. Suggested retail prices range from $38 to $248.

About Converse

Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as "America's Original Sports Company"™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor All Star shoe, the Jack Purcell shoe and the One Star shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 58 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at www.converse.com.

# # # 

For Samples or Images Contact:

Keith Gulla                              
Converse                              
646-563-7318 / [e-mail]

Lacy Pica
Converse
646-563-7830 / [e-mail]

Julia Ruttner
HL Group
646.460.8907 / [e-mail]