CHUCKS by Converse are a certified classic. It has become part of the cool culture to walk around in their canvas creations because, as their tagline says, “shoes are boring, wear sneakers.”
To keep things current, they periodically launch something new for their fans to look forward to. This season is no different. One of the most exciting things in the fall 2014 Converse All Star collection, aside from new silhouettes and elevated detailing, are new materials and prints. First up are shoes that have animalistic appeal—the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 1970 returns with updated prints, including zebra, giraffe and cheetah animal prints. What’s more, the cool zebra print shoes feature UV sensitive technology, turning the white of the shoe royal blue and laces yellow when exposed to the light—perfect for clubbing and crazy nights-out.
ON ROCK STARS AND POPS OF COLOR
THE updates get edgier too, as zips are the latest thing to accent the latest collections. There are options for a sleeker silhouette courtesy of a back zip, and something with a rock-star vibe via the tri-zip Chucks with pops of color coming from the fabric details and leather laces. If texture is more your thing, they have the All Star 1970 Woven collection for a handcrafted feel to go with rounded leather laces and tanned leather toecaps.
Speaking of rockers, the collection’s latest collaborations should get the heavy metal heads into full gear. Black Sabbath, those Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, gets their turn to be soled-out with their iconic photos and album artwork adorning the high-cuts.
If fashion has its rock stars, one of them would be John Varvatos—a constant Chucks collaborator who confesses to an obsession with rock and roll and its corresponding lifestyle. His fashion campaigns have featured icons, such as Iggy Pop, Velvet Revolver, Green Day and Alice Cooper. The designer, who is responsible for the creation of boxer briefs (yes, ladies, the one worn by Mark Wahlberg in that classic Calvin Klein ad), came out with a fresh new take on the classic All-Star footwear by incorporating a vintage feel via the All Star Multi-Eyelet with its burnish midsole with a multitude of elastic laces; and the One Star, with its vintage silhouette and feel with a few modern uptakes.
RAINY-DAY GEAR
ONE of the biggest challenges for any hard-core Chucks fan is resisting the urge to wear their fave footgear when it’s pouring out. Converse now has a solution to this by introducing the new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Rubber series, which features French terry lining with a rubber top in rich monochromatic colors. These water-resistant shoes are designed with a gusseted tongue and brass eyelets, and are designed to keep feet dry in those pesky flash floods happening these days in the Metro.
For a more utilitarian look, there’s the new Combat Boot that comes equipped with double overlay eye row, larger opened collar, tongue zipper and extra-long laces. A rubberized toe and heel provides extra protection with hard-core appeal.
VERSATILE GEAR
THE launch was well-attended, and we chanced on star stylist Ryuji Shiomitsu admiring the new additions. He says that he loves the fact that Chucks are so versatile and stylish. “Sneakers like these make a statement. They are so versatile that they can be worn with anything, from dresses, and skirts to jeans and slacks. They can be worn to almost any occasion except, of course, at a semi-formal or formal event.”
From all indications, Chucks are here to stay. Whether the wearer is fashion-forward or looking for a snappy urban and utilitarian style to suit their tastes, the new lines—and the enduring originals—offer choices for street-smart footwear in any kind of weather.
Maan D’Asis Pamaran