 Don't call it a comeback: Converse is as mighty as ever.
Unless you are wearing athletic-blinders, you can see Converse is everywhere. The lightweight sneaker, first introduced in 1917, still bears the canvas and “All Star” patch logo originally worn by basketball's Chuck Taylor, whose signature is still found at the shoe's ankle. These “Chucks” have seen both highs and lows in popularity over the past century, but in recent years, more styles have evolved, and this brand has become the canvas (or leather) of many consumers, artists and celebrities. After months of noticing Converse's popularity amongst casual wearers, I decided to take a closer look at the All-Star world.
Variety & Artistic Inspiration. The Chuck Taylor All Star defines a variety of looks; from classic canvas highs and lows, to a variety of solid-color slip-ons, to the rainbow colored "All Star Electronic".
Leather takes a vintage twist with the "All Star Revolution", a men's basketball shoe done in distressed leather with a flexed toe and embossed logo. Several of these athletic shoes feature high style designs: from painted and studded canvas to leather and rubber that looks plain beat up, these shoes are in a class all their own.
Ladies styles may persuade the ultimate glamazons to put their Chanel ballet flats to rest, if only for a day; "Star Fi Skimmer" is a ballet flat and running shoe daintily rolled into one! Athletic chic is brought to new heights with the totally unique, sexy calf-height Pleated Silk boots. For designing divas (like myself), Converse One lets you create your own All Star, using a variety of colors and patterns, some limited editions. Designer John Varvatos, a longtime contributer to Converse, has put together sportswear for both sexes that takes us way past the 20th century.
The company's partnership with PRODUCT (RED) features the 1HUND(RED) movement, which releases the shoe designs of 100 artists over the next year. These amazing and limited editions raise funds to help stop AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria (you have probably seen other PRODUCT(RED) participants, such, as Gap, house their own special items for the cause). Timothy Liles designed a bold blue classic canvas, complete with red laces with a fringed edge. Several feature original sketches, which make for wild graphics, colorful psychedelics and bold abstract prints. Especially interesting is the black and neon yellow mud-cloth plaid high top, complete with black rubber sole and wool interior. How many other sneakers can achieve that?
An iconic shoe for several generations of the entertainment scene, styles inspired by musician Kurt Cobain pay homage to the grunge look he employed, complete with signature and scribbled lyrics on canvas. Superstar Pharell Williams recently produced “My Drive Thru”, a three-artist track which mixes hip-hop with instrumentals for an eclectic mix. The track, video and extras are downloadable on Converse.com.
On The Street. This article was inspired by the consumers and readers who can’t live without this footwear legend. Besides comfort, motivation comes from the desire to have an athletic shoe that is not victim to “a (flashy) stick of dynamite erupting in sneaker stores”, as one wearer put it. In short, the artistic yet classy look and feel is preferred to flashy patent-detailed athletic shoes that are showcased by other labels. Clients like the look and feel of a classic, with a cutting-edge twist. You don't have to be a sneaker fan to love this footwear label. Manolo won't mind.
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