Brooklyn-based Parlá is known for his distinctive style that blends calligraphy, collage, textures, and color in paintings that tackle politics, urbanization, current events and a slew of other complex topics.

To grace the special pairs of Converse, Parlá chose his painting “Ephemeral Pitches, and Notes, Rhythm and Phonetics,” which — inspired by abstract noises, music, rhythms, languages and sounds of cities — explores the constant changes to urban life. Those themes are particularly resonant for Parla, who grew up wearing Chucks as a kid.

To date, RED, (PRODUCT)RED and its partners, which include Gap, Apple, Hallmark, Starbucks and Nike, has raised nearly $180 million for The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. And starting this Thursday, you can do your part to help — and get a fly pair of kicks in the process. The José Parlá for Converse (PRODUCT)RED Chuck Taylor All Stars — in both men’s and women’s sizes – can be yours for $100 at Converse First String retailers.

From the beginning of the 20th century, Converse has helped to define many milestone movements of the last 100 years. From Chuck Taylor‘s love of basketball to world badminton champion Jack Purcell and even to the American soldiers of World War II, Converse’s rubber sole has fit many a foot and role in recent history. Not only can you always get the classics from this iconic brand, but the clothing and accessories lines will keep you looking fly from head to toe.

How can you win one of 10 pairs of Converse sunglasses, seen in the gallery below? Tell us in the comments which favorite outdoor fall activity will require a bright and sunny pair of shades. As always, may the most fabulous commenters win.

Have questions about Converse? Visit the brand website or ask me on Twitter @CrystlMeatballs.

Just approaching their 4-year New York anniversary, Love Brigade was actually conceived in London while Alyssa completed her fashion design degree at London’s Istituto Marangoni. Jamie Rockaway, Love Brigade’s Vice President and co-founder, helped found the company, but sadly, we were unable to rendezvous. Tinypants studied digital arts and science at the University of Florida, and after his move to the Big Apple, he began designing t-shirts for Love Brigade, evolving his involvement in the company. Since their American debut, Love Brigade graduated from a Brooklyn loft to prime retail front in Williamsburg, a location that serves as both the Love Brigade and Friends store, as well as the Love Brigade studio office. 

Since it’s start, Love Brigade’s aesthetic has remained relatively consistent, with the exception of a replacement of the company’s high-end line with Ex-Oh, a recession ready diffusion line. The current Spring/Summer 2009 collection is the first of Love Brigade’s economic conscious diffusion line, providing some remarkable ready-to-wear garments. Love Brigade’s diffusion line will continue into the Fall 2009 collection (which looks pretty incredible I might add!) as the market for high-end fashion continues to digress. The Fall 2009 womenswear is inspired by the transition from a failing friendship to empowerment while the menswear collection themes the wandering man, both containing Love Brigade’s infamous collection story-line. 

Needless to say,  Love Brigade has had an exciting few years, but 2009 has perhaps been one of the best. From their customized Chuck Taylor high-tops, to their work with the Black Eyed Peas, White Tie Affair and Rob Roy, and their shop on Karmaloop,  Love Brigade’s success is honest, raw and real. Alyssa  bid us adieu with some fabulous advice for aspiring fashion designers: “Find the perfect balance between your art and business.”  Hmm, seems to be that the Brigade follows her advice, because as of July 2009, Love Brigade couldn’t look any more perfect! 

GALLERIES: 

Catching Up With Love Brigade 

RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Love Brigade Fall 2009 Collection 

Check out Love Brigade here!

It’s weird to see a Chuck Taylor with an ankle strap (seems a little Nike Dunk), but I kindof like it.  I like the slim look of Chucks, and Converse decided to jump on the high-top ankle strap band wagon for fall.  Keep a look out for more colors.

SOURCE: High Snobiety

Only available in France, the Chuck Taylor All Star in Crocodile are the first of their kind, since the 101 years of existence of the sneaker.

LINKAGE: highsnobette

This season Comme des Garcons PLAY worked with Converse on a series of Chuck Taylors. They kept  it simple with the sneakers by only adding their red heart logo to the black and white Chuck Taylor Hi and Lo, now available at Bobos.

LINKAGE: highsnobiety

Deadheads of the world rejoice; you can now access a pair of trainers stamped with the imprimatur of The Grateful Dead.

The legendary hippie-era band, formed in San Francisco in 1965 and regarded as ‘the pioneering godfathers of the jam band world’, has joined forces with Converse.

The band has recreated its famed, psychedelic ‘Dancing Bears’ artwork as an eclectic, colourful print on the canvas upper which is based on the original Chuck Taylor silhouette.

The trainers, in a black/red/blue/yellow colour scheme, are priced from pounds sterling 44.99, from the Converse Store at UK Size 6-11, Carnaby Street, London W1 (020 7287 4016; www.converse.com.

-Via Telegraph