Converse : Wearing History |

By Myriam ‘M♥’ Richard

It was not the end of winter that one morning I looked at the shoebox and automatically found myself smiling and wondered if the weather permitted me to slip my feet in my new smiling shoe, Converse Jack Purcell. I’ve been a Chuck Taylor fan for years now, going blindingly towards them in stores overlooking that older cousin of it (the Jack Purcell shoe exists since 1935, but Converse bought the trademark rights in 1970).

The day’s mild weather was perfect for my Jack Purcell’s rubber ‘soul’ to christen my day’s endeavors. I smiled and my feet followed as the confort automatically set in, warming up all that stood above it. I became a new converted fan. But the conversion did not spur at that very moment.

It was at the Converse Spring/Summer collection presentation. Not only was I pleased with what I saw, but left the unveiling event with a dash of history, giving more meaning and ‘soul’ to just wearing Converse shoes. That is what I love about classic vintage wear… When worn today, one prolongates the history, becoming part of the heritage, its classic status. I saw the many styles featuring the classic Jack P’s smile, and especially favored the terracotta hued leather model. Though masculine in the look, pairing it with nice fitted shorts and a day jacket with cool vintage shades, it’s all in the sack. Very J. Crew style!

He wore them then... I wear them now...

Never losing its essence, every collection brings about an old soul modernism and a laid back style that caters from the very young, to the 100 year-old young at heart.

Going back to my first love, my attention clearly stopped on the washed-out woven Chuck Taylors… *drooling*. Also a favorite of mine is the All Star Slim Slip, so light, you barely feel them – a walk on clouds. Another interesting novelty this season is the partnership with Marimekko brand, introducing a line spruced up with fun colorful motifs. The Marimekko label got its breakthrough after Lady Jacqueline Kennedy wore colorful dresses from the brand throughout her husband JFK’s presidential campaign. When he won the presidency, the Finnish brand reached a pinnacle and is now a reference in the search of original prints in fashion and interior design.

This Converse spring/summer collection as all that preceeded it, proves the style versatility of the brand. And no matter how many years you carry, you’ll find the pair that fits… YOU.

Live. Laugh. Love. Be.

Click on thumbnail to view models from the collection