Everything was in place for its March launch till the unexpected announcement – the sudden closure of NUMBER (N)INE, the cutting edge label established by Japanese designer Takahiro Miyashita. Overnight, the final collaboration between CONVERSE and NUMBER (N)INE, the Odessa, became orphaned. Now, after 6 months of negotiation and distribution re-work, Miyashita’s vision of CONVERSE’s runner sneaker from the 80s is finally set to launch. Comprised of premium deer skin, frayed and deconstructed, the NUMBER (N)INE x CONVERSE Odessa was based on, ironically, Miyashita’s ideal for something “authentic and permanent”. And though the label no longer exist, the concept remains in Miyashita’s new label, The SOLO IST. In the meantime, the NUMBER (N)INE x CONVERSE Odessa is set to drop this Thursday, September 16th, at one retail locations only – Aloha Rag New York flagship in TriBeCa. With only 96 pairs produced, 48 pairs per colorways in black or beige. This will make the Odessa one of the more exclusive release of the season. To be available at Aloha Rag New York and its online store. Images via: STREEThing