Well Yoko had no problem okaying it and even helped them. But there's more to it than just the sneaker and profit. Anyway, here's the story on it I found.
Story Summary:
On the eve of the world's premiere athletic competition, Converse will
introduce the Chuck Taylor(R) All Star(R) Peace Collection, the visual
cornerstone for the brand's commitment to originality, artistry, unity and
world peace. The Peace Chuck Collection, featuring artwork by John Lennon, was
designed with the help of Yoko Ono.
In New York City's Times Square on Thursday, August 12, 2004, Converse
will encourage people to join together in celebration of the spirit of sport,
individuality and the basic human desire for world peace. Well-known music,
stage and screen artist, Mos Def, will join the Youth with a Purpose Choir
from Essex County, New Jersey, to perform John Lennon's "Imagine." Converse
will simultaneously distribute 10,000 white balloons in Times Square in a
modern day recreation of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's symbolic peace gesture
delivered 36 years ago at the inauguration of Lennon's, "You are Here"
exhibit.
Converse will address the importance of taking responsibility to build a
bond between people, breaking the cultural barriers that divide us, and
creating a world of understanding and peace. Converse also will announce its
commitment to world peace and its sponsorship of EmpowerPeace
(
www.empowerpeace.com), which promotes cultural understanding through
education and dialogue. Converse will make a special announcement regarding
its longstanding commitment to supporting world peace endeavors through its
broader Chuck Taylor Peace Project efforts.
Creativity, self expression and cultural understanding are the values
shared by Converse, Mos Def, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and the millions of people
around the world who wear Chuck Taylor sneakers. To complement the Chuck
Taylor All Star Peace Collection, Converse welcomes artists from around the
world to submit artwork that embodies their personal vision of peace. To view
the gallery or submit artwork, visit
www.converse.com/peace. Converse will
select one entry whose artwork will be featured in the Peace Chuck Collection.