Author: Tom
Last week we were invited to attend the unveiling of the new adidas UltraBOOST 19 at the heart of Paris, France. A key city to launch the latest innovation, hosted an event attended by media, influencers and key retail partners whom were to decode and recode running.
The event was was packed with an eventful programme hosted by Alex Powis with expert talks from Anne Nebendahl and Matthia Amm who were the brains behind the latest adidas UltraBOOST 19. They touched upon the original UltraBOOST and how it inspired the newest release with upgraded prime knit and finding ways to progress the much aligned running silhouette.
In addition, there were transformational talks from Morgann Lechat and Karol Kelpacki both from Sword Warsaw Running Crew and delving into the origins of running in Poland. Samantha Fecteau, Adrienne Herbert and Kathrina Hoffmann were also in attendance to touch on women and running and how this lifestyle from different capitals can be so relatable.
Furthermore, the space was occupied by two bars for food and drink and a DJ booth to keep the night going. An educational installation mixed with giant LED screens were planted in the middle, which allowed attendees to learn the process stages gone through in order to get to the final stages through prototypes. Moreover, there was a test area that allowed those interested in testing out the adidas UltraBOOST 19 on treadmills and a ’Secret Room’ which provided an insight on what is to come from the Three Stripes brand.
Thank you adidas for the invitation, we look forward to what is coming soon!
Over the last few years, designer Samuel Ross has established himself as a vital, visionary voice in British fashion.
Blending high concept ideas with cutting-edge technical design and clothes people actually want to wear, his brand A-COLD-WALL* has earned him a shot on the LVMH Prize shortlist as well as two nominations for The Fashion Awards.
More importantly than institutional approval, though, it’s grown him a global follower base of dedicated fans who proudly rep his utilitarian, industrial aesthetic.
For Samuel Ross Nike Flyleather represents new opportunity. The unique material, which is made with at least 50 percent recycled natural leather fiber, allows for an evolution of design thinking while deftly balancing natural tactile qualities with an important reduction in the planet’s carbon footprint. Both properties are on full display in Ross’ Nike x A-COLD-WALL* Air Force 1.
Flyleather is a vessel to refine an idea that was already quite strong, the technology behind it is also connected to the progression of Ross’ design practice, label and, of course relationship with Nike.
Appearing in both a black and a white colourway, the sneaker features a seamless upper construction, ACW detailing on the canvas tongue, and grey panelling along the hidden lacing system and heel panel.
The Nike x ACW Air Force 1 ‘Black’ and ‘White’ is now SOLD OUT.
When it was originally released in 1988 the Saucony Azura was introduced as a no frills running shoe ‘dedicated to people tired of hype and hot air’. This was a not so subtle dig at the competition, and the advertising stereotypes of the 80’s that ensured everything was marketed as if it was from the future, with little regard for scientific accuracy, and 3o years later that ethos hasn’t changed.
However, this tongue in cheek advertising did not mean that Saucony ignored scientific research and new technology when constructing the shoe. Built on the principles that running shoes should be light and fast, and designed to be an universal running shoe that everyone from the most seasoned runner to the occasional jogger could wear, the Azura utilised a Torsional Rigidity Bar which dispersed shock and allows the wearer to achieve their peak performance. The upper of the shoe is comprised of a mesh/suede blend and the sole features Saucony’s patented triangular-lug sole, ensuring breathability and stability, whatever the weather.
The aesthetic of the shoe is undeniably 80’s and has remained untouched for the 30th anniversary, with the Sky Blue and Marigold Yellow on the shoes upper radiating optimism and warmth, and reminding us that summer isn’t too far away. To celebrate the return of the Saucony Azura and it’s unapologetic 80’s aesthetic we asked London based vintage and sportswear retailer Bare Vintage to style and shoot a look-book ahead of the shoes release on 18.12.18.
The Saucony Azura is Now Available in-store and online with sizes ranging from UK6 – UK12 (including half sizes), priced at £80. The clothing pictured below will be a free gift with purchase for in-store customers WHILE STOCKS LAST. Scroll down to check out the Bare Vintage look-book.
Harmony was founded on the simple idea of creating collections that make you feel good.
Designed with the modern man and woman in mind, Harmony makes clothes for those who enjoy simplicity and casual elegance. Harmony seeks to embody the honesty and creativity associated with Parisian charm, with an eye to quality garments that are cut from noble and natural fabrics from within the EU.
Harmony epitomises understated yet expressive style.
After a first collaboration on the GEL-Venture 6 back in October, Harmony reunites with ASICS on the classic GEL-Quantum 360 silhouette. The joint capsule is produced in a very limited series, composed of monochrome black and white colourways.
The GEL-Quantum 360 is available in two monochrome versions, featuring a new mesh-upper and 360° GEL cushioning technology. The sneakers include integral Trusstic system for support and relaxation, together with an IGS system that adapts to the movements and anatomy of the foot.
The midsole adds to the weightlessness and enhances cushioning and durability, as does ASICS’ High Abrasion Rubber used on the outsole. Finally, the shoe’s upper comes in a stretch mesh that adapts to the foot for a sock-like fit.
Its design offers many stylistic possibilities. The challenge was then to accentuate its urban dimension in order to be worn on a daily basis, while maintaining the performance factors that make it so great.
The ASICS x Harmony Gel Quantum 360 is launching online on Saturday 15th December (available online at 8:00AM GMT). Sizes range from UK6 – UK11 (including half sizes), priced at £168.
Over a year since the original ‘Ten’ collection from Virgil Abloh and Nike was released and the market may never be the same again. Sneakerheads embraced the OG collection, and every subsequent release, with open arms making the Nike x OFF WHITE collaboration one of the most popular in recent years. This year OW and Nike have released several variations on The Ten, including World Cup editions of the Nike Zoom and Halloween inspired iterations of the Nike Blazer and looking to end 2018 by returning to the Air Force 1.
Having already received three OW renditions so far – the original, the AF100 Complexcon exclusive and the MOMA x OFF WHITE by Virgil Abloh x Nike – and the Swoosh and Abloh looking to add another two to the list for the Holiday 18 season with Black/White and Volt colour-ways. Both colour-ways feature a mix of textile, suede and translucent materials with deconstructed branding on the upper and heel, as well as the pastel blue zip tie that most 2018 releases have sported.
The Nike x OFF WHITE Air Force 1 ‘Black/White’ and ‘Volt’ colour-ways will be available for an IN-STORE purchase on Wednesday 19th December exclusively through an online raffle. STRICTLY ONE ENTRY PER COLOUR PER PERSON. Click here to enter.
Ever since it hit the court in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 caused attention due to its colour blocking violating the NBA uniform policy and therefore, Michael Jordan was fined $5000 every time he’d play in them. However, this did not halt MJ in his stride to create a storied career.
Designed by Peter Moore, the Air Jordan 1’s resurgence over the years has grown massively. The simplicity in its aesthetic mixed with various colour blockings have made this silhouette a respected model in both on and off the court. Over the years, the Air Jordan 1 has experienced a host of collaborations, mash ups, retros, new colour ways and more. The most recent and ever present project on this model has been with OFF-WHITE’s Virgil Abloh and the “The Ten” collection seeing the Air Jordan 1 dressed in three different variations.
As far as sneaker collecting goes or just casual wearers, resellers are ever-present for those who were unlucky to purchase on retail and give another chance on buying but with an adjusted price. Over the years there has been a back and forth between collectors and resellers due to the chances of buying at retail price being almost impossible and the resell price is unjustifiable.
However, to help tackle this, ex Jordan Brand NRG designer Frank Cooke who had a hand in designing this iteration stated: “It was about us taking the time to digest and actually enjoy shoes. Let’s not just as soon as we get them flip them, which is lucrative for people and I’m never gonna hate on that. But I feel like we don’t take the time to enjoy what we have because there’s a release week after week, it’s so saturated”. This was an explanation on the mind state of peoples intentions at present is to buy to resell as opposed to buying to wear.
Initially a SNKRS app exclusive, this time around we see a worldwide release. The upper is dressed in a mixture of 2 different leather materials in black and sail respectively as well as a hit of varsity red on the heel collar and outsole. The stand out elements of this iteration is the inclusion of annotations reminiscent of Virgil Abloh’s “The Ten” collection. Terms such as ‘No Photos’, ‘Not for Resale’, ‘Please Crease’ and ‘Wear Me’ are a written across the silhouette and continue the theme of rocking and not stocking.
The Air Jordan NRG ‘Not For Resale’ is now SOLD OUT.
Converse are a brand built on heritage. Although they are highly relevant in the contemporary footwear industry, the majority of the silhouettes we know and love today have a long and storied history. For example, the Chuck Taylor – one of the most widely recognisable shoes on the market – has over 100 years of heritage behind it, and the Converse One Star has remained roughly the same since the 1970’s.
The brands latest offering, The Converse Lucky Star, is no different. The Lucky Star was first introduced in 1967 under the name Chuck Taylor Lucky Star, however despite sharing a name and similar shape with its predecessor, that’s where the similarities end.
The Lucky Star was almost entirely different in its construction, featuring a unique toe bumper, a durable Army Duck upper and full-length sponge in-sole. The Lucky Star High and Lucky Star Oxford, both featured a refined and more Americanised take on the classic Chuck Taylor shape and wore the brands collegiate influences far more overtly. The Converse Lucky Star High collection is available now, sizes range from UK6 – UK11 (including half sizes), with prices ranging from £65 – £70.
Converse’s strong understanding of the past makes them the go-to brand for those who appreciate clean, classic design. And with the brand reaching into their vault to release another perfect example of this, we felt it only right to speak to some of these people and get their thoughts on brands longevity.
Few people appreciate clean, minimalistic and timeless design like East London based photographer, Oliver Hooson. Aside from being a successful photographer, Oliver is also a menswear blogger, influencer and coffee connoisser, meaning he knows a thing or two about quality. We caught up with him in his East London flat to talk about his influences, his love for Converse and his first impressions of the Lucky Star collection.
Footpatrol: Firstly, for those who haven’t come across your work can you please explain a bit about yourself and what you do?
Oliver Hooson: My names Oliver and I’m a photographer, blogger and menswear influencer from East London.
FP: How did you get into photography?
OH: It was initially through skating actually, I started when I was around ten years old and eventually it got to a point where I wanted to document my hobby. And from there I began to photograph bands, it’s mental how many people have that start haha I think the sooner you pick that tool up and learn that language having that time on your side is perfect and eventually you become fluent. That’s how I learnt and studied it.
I ended up doing the 9-5 grind for a few years and then started to post my work online and that’s what brought me back into it. I started posting to a small menswear community of people who appreciated good quality clothing and strong minimalistic design and it grew from there.
FP: Did you discover your love of menswear through photography platforms such as Instagram or was it something you’ve had from an early age?
OH: Instagram was a huge catalyst for getting into fashion and photography, I could try and dismiss it or try and find a cooler way of saying it but it’s the truth. As I started to get recognition and interest from brands, I thought I could definitely run with this and make it my livelihood.
FP: How iconic is a pair of Chuck Taylors in the menswear scene?
OH: The word versatile quite literally sums it up; there’s no other trainer I can go to for every occasion. When you’ve got them on you’re coming out confident, you can run through puddles, you can scuff them, people can stand all over you shoes (which happens a lot in London), and weirdly they look better.
FP: So, your someone that likes the wear the converse in rather than keep them pristine?
OH: Don’t get me wrong I have certain pairs that I keep very clean but at the same time I have some pairs that I literally wear into the ground. After a while you realise the build quality and the legacy and heritage that comes with it and it will becomes a bit romantic. There are very few brands that hold the same prestige.
FP: From sneaker-heads to skaters to rockers to rappers, everyone will wear a pair of Converse, what is it about the Chuck Taylor that makes it appeal to so many different subcultures?
OH: Chuck Taylors are a highly sophisticated silhouette and yet at the same time so genius in their simplicity, which makes them so universal. The shoe looks better the more you put them through your travels, and essentially act as a blank canvas that the wearer can decorate however they want, making them so appealing to the majority of people. There’s very few people that won’t rock a pair, and I think that’s a really nice thing.
FP: Do you remember your first pair of Cons, did you get them around the time you started skating or did they come as your interest in fashion developed?
OH: Weirdly I never really wore Cons when I started skating, I was mainly into really chunky trainers. I got a pair of classic black and white high tops which I tried to hustle into my school uniform, which didn’t really work, so they were shortly followed by an all black pair.
FP: What was your first impression of the Lucky Star?
OH: A breath of fresh air. I’d never actual seen a pair in-hand before and was very impressed. The matte around the sole, the branding, the font, the license plate – everything is super clean.
FP: Converse have had a lot of success over the last year with the One Star and obviously the Chuck Taylor is a classic, where do you think the Lucky Star will sit in the brand’s roster?
OH: Do you know what, I’m not sure, but I’m excited to see. Everything else they’ve done recently has been unbelievable and the Lucky Star is such a tasteful trainer so I feel like people will be happy to have it on the shelves.
FP: From a collab point of view what would you want to see Converse do with these?
OH: Hmm, it’s random as they’re not usually my go-to brand but I’d love to see A-COLD-WALL* interpret these, I really like the direction they’ve been taking and the work they’ve been producing. Or NOAH! NOAH would be all over these. I feel like Snow Peak could always do a lot with the colours and materials.
FP: Slightly off topic but anyone who follows you on Instagram will be expecting this question, how did you get so into coffee?
OH: That interest came about around the same time as I started getting into Instagram actually, whether I was working or travelling, good coffee was always available. Whether you are you can always find a decent specialty coffee shop and find your people as such.
A good coffee shop is never just about the coffee, it’s a place to work, a space to go and enjoy and a space to literally be inspired by, and that’s what’s driven my love for finding a coffee spot.
FP: What about in Soho? Where’s the best place for us to grab a coffee?
OH: There’s a place called MilkBar which is pretty good, although for coffee in London I’d stay East. Origin Coffee Roasters are one of my go-to’s, they’ve come down from Cornwall and smashed it. Amazing company and amazing guys. And they’ve got good style too…
FP: And does your love for interior design and product design stem from being in coffee shops?
OH: Yeah, I guess there’s the fashion, the coffee, the design they are all fairly intrinsic and when you realise that these worlds crossover it’s always exciting, once you find out that everything you love is in one space it’s easy to be influenced by something new.
Converse are a brand built on heritage. Although they are highly relevant in the contemporary footwear industry, the majority of the silhouettes we know and love today have a long and storied history. For example, the Chuck Taylor – one of the most widely recognisable shoes on the market – has over 100 years of heritage behind it, and the Converse One Star has remained roughly the same since the 1970’s.
The brands latest offering, The Converse Lucky Star, is no different. The Lucky Star was first introduced in 1967 under the name Chuck Taylor Lucky Star, however despite sharing a name and similar shape with its predecessor, that’s where the similarities end.
The Lucky Star was almost entirely different in its construction, featuring a unique toe bumper, a durable Army Duck upper and full-length sponge in-sole. The Lucky Star High and Lucky Star Oxford, both featured a refined and more Americanised take on the classic Chuck Taylor shape and wore the brands collegiate influences far more overtly. The Converse Lucky Star High collection will be available online from Saturday 8th of December, sizes range from UK6 – UK11 (including half sizes), with prices ranging from £65 – £70.
Converse’s strong understanding of the past makes them the go-to brand for those who appreciate clean, classic design. And with the brand reaching into their vault to release another perfect example of this, we felt it only right to speak to some of these people and get their thoughts on brands longevity.
Will Kemp and Ryan Barr are two members of The Drop Date, a collective turned company who dedicate themselves to providing all the need to know info about trainer releases here in the UK, and across Europe. Safe to say Will and Ryan know what they’re talking about, and as well as being huge fans of trainers in general, both happen to Converse connoisseurs. We sat down with Ryan and Will at Drop Date HQ to find out more about the company and get their first impressions of the Lucky Star Collection.
Footpatrol: Firstly, can you introduce yourselves and tell us a little bit about The Drop Date?
Ry: Hi, I’m Ry, co-founder of The Drop Date. A website and social presence – and the original authority in our field – providing the consumer with the what, where and when on all limited edition trainer & apparel releases throughout the UK & Europe. Basically, we’re a bunch of likeminded friends, working with product and people we love, and as our strapline states, we’re dedicated to Organising The Chaos.
Will: I’m Will, Creative Director for The Drop Date and our in-house agency Generation Works. I met Ry many moons ago when I was working at Bond International, a legendary store near the OG Footpatrol location that had helped pioneer streetwear in the UK way back before the Internet exploded everything. Ry was part of the Crooked Tongues forum and I’d catch up with him when he was in town for the CT BBQs and other events. Then a little while ago I came on board with The Drop Date to help it branch out into clothing and to build our creative agency, which produces work for our own site as well as a host of external clients in the footwear and fashion worlds.
FP: Do you both remember your first pair of Converse?
Ry: Honestly, I never bothered with Chucks until the 70s came along. The standard All Stars do nothing for me. The Lakers colourway of the Converse Weapon were the first Cons I owned.
Will: I had a bright green pair of the standard Chuck Hi that I got as hand-me-downs from my brother in the early ‘90s. I wore them every day in the hope that they’d make me look like Kurt Cobain. They didn’t.
FP: You now both have big collections of Chuck 70’s – Ry you arrived having everything in the boxes whereas Will you had a lot of worn pairs all bunched together. How do you feel a pair of Converse can tell a person’s individuality and style?
Ry: Chucks can be worn with any outfit, and therein lies the success of the shoe, I guess. Doesn’t matter how you dress, rock a pair of Chucks and it always look good, and there’s only a few shoes that can boast that.I’m still scratching my head as to how Will treats his Chucks, I mean, for a guy with such OCD levels, whats that all about?… Made me laugh.
Will: I just wear them. The first time shoes began to have any importance for me was when I started skating in my teens, and I’d have one pair that I skated to death until they were 90% shoe glue, then one pair I kept nice and clean until the other ones fell apart. It’s the same with Chucks; say with the Parchment 70s, I have one completely box fresh pair then 2 or 3 in various stages of decomposition due to rain, falling over, my kids jumping on them etc. I’m a massive hoarder usually, but Chucks are so wearable I can’t get hung up on keeping them pristine in their boxes.
FP: I have heard you are both very particular about the license plate on the back of a pair of Converse, can you please elaborate?
Ry: I’ll leave this one to Will. He’s always in my wake, so sees the plate way more than me… ha!
Will: Ry is jealous because I have more pairs than him. The license plate is such a weird branding device – it should look terrible but somehow it works and I feel strangely fond of it as a result. But I do really like it when it’s tonal.
FP: Ry I have noticed you have an original pair of Snakeskin Chuck 70’s and a pair from the more recent release. Can you let us know about the importance of this shoe to you?
Ry: It’s the most important for me by far, as the Year Of The Snake editions really kicked off the 70s revolution, and they look so good!… Mates got seeded them, but I hunted a pair down when I missed then at retail, as it was such a tight drop through the select First String retailers. It was one of the toughest missions I’ve had to date, but well worth the effort and such a relief to tick them off the list.
Our good friend Gary Warnett was a big advocate of the 70s, and the YOTS editions in particular, and I’ll always remember a text convo he showed me between him and a then employee of the brand, discussing how they needed a reissue. And I think its fair to say, if G hadn’t pushed for it, it would never have happened. They are different to the OG YOTS, but I had to have them for that reason. Converse never really pushed the reissue, and if he was here, the rant would last for days, which always makes me smile. RIP G.
FP: Will, I know you have said how you like to put your pairs through the washing machine and dye them yourself. Can you elaborate on how this makes them better for you personally?
Will: I’m a size 10, which makes me self-conscious because that’s the point at which trainers can start to look like clown shoes. I ended up having to put a few pairs of chuck 70s through the wash (cold wash only or the glue will melt), and I really liked the way they shrink up ever so slightly afterwards as it fits my feet better. Plus the colours get nicely faded out which looks beautiful against the contrast stitching, especially on something like the pink and blue tie-dye pair which were way too flamboyant for me in their original state.
FP: A Chuck 70’s is a relatively simple shoe but with so many iterations and material make ups they have remained relevant to today. What do you think it is that has helped them to remain so popular to this day?
Ry: Personally, I think its exactly that fact that you mention. There’s something for everyone, no matter what your style, and I hope there’s plenty more to come.
Will: It’s the perfect antidote to hype. The design is so simple that they work with everything, and it’s one of those models where the everyday general release versions are better than most of the high-profile collabs. There’s not that many other trainers you could wear to a date but also to a funeral.
FP: In your line of work you guys are constantly being exposed to the latest footwear, what is it that keeps you guys interested in Converse considering the design of many of the silhouettes have remained largely the same since they were introduced?
Will: For me, the unchanged design is the whole appeal. With the sheer number of trainers released each week, you stop seeing the individual products to a degree and it all begins to blur into a predictable series of trends and takedowns. And when so much of the market seems so uninspired, the things that really stand out are the genuinely groundbreaking new designs on one hand, and the true classics on the other.
These days a lot of people dress like some kind of human Buckaroo, just piling on as many different hype brands and logos as possible. Personally I’m interested in clothes rather than fashion, and shoes rather than trends. When I see someone wearing a strong pair of Converse, it signifies that they care more about good design than trying to impress strangers.
Ry: So much of the latest footwear is bullshit, and that includes a fair few new shoes from Converse too, but their core offerings, like the the Chuck 70s hold their own. Although the price point is slightly higher than the normal All Stars, the are far more comfortable, and durable too. I’ve converted many people from the standards to the 70s, even my mum. I say stick to what you know Converse, but brands have to evolve in order to find new customers, and I understand that.
FP: What were your first impressions of the Converse Lucky Star?
Ry: Personally, I really like it now, and suits my style and wardrobe. My good mate John, your boss, didn’t shut up about them when we first saw them, and he knows his shit. I wasn’t sure at first, but the more we talked about them, the more he convinced me. So I’m sold and looking forward to adding a few to the collection.
Will: I was a bit anxious. It’s as if someone threatened to change your favourite recipe. But I liked the Lucky Star as soon as I saw it in the flesh; it shares a lot of the characteristics that make the Chuck 70s feel just right, but it’s different enough to work as an alternative. It’s less blocky than the 70s, and that slightly softer silhouette works nicely with the nostalgic-looking patch and textured details. They make me want to go to a drive-in cinema in a varsity jacket.
FP: How do you feel the Lucky Star fits into the current Converse roster? And in a wider sense how does Converse fit into today’s sneaker industry?
Ry: It’ll be a slow burner for sure, and will take time for people to come round to them but it will definitely have its place in the roster. For how long though, we’ll have to wait and see. Believe it or not, it’s entirely different to the Chuck 70s in terms of construction, but will appeal to the same crowd for sure. A good friend of ours is the Global PLM and he’s worked tirelessly on bringing them to market, so I wish the shoe all the success it deserves.
Converse is an institution and will always have its place in the market, there’s no denying that. Now, with the right people in the right positions at the brand, it will only go from strength to strength. Just lay off the winterised stuff, that’s utter shite in my book and there really is no need for it, in Europe at least.
Will: I think if you’re already into Chuck 70s or Jack Purcells, you’ll probably like the Lucky Star. There’s a really tricky line that Converse have had to negotiate here. Often when brands try to bring in something new that draws on their archive, it ends up flopping with the new customers and pissing off the traditionalists at the same time. But I think the Lucky Star is a rare beast that offers something new while still appealing to the older heads.
FP: Finally, if you could only wear one pair of Converse for the rest of your life what would you both pick?
Ry: No brainer, OG 70s Snake Hi’s for me. All day, every day. I love an animal print make-up. My daughter always tells me I wear my Snakes too much, and she’s right (as always), but I love them so much they’ve been on the weekly rotation since I can remember, and always will be, until they finally fall apart. Then I’ll move on to the reissues.
Will: I’m already there with all the different variations of the Parchment Chuck 70s. But if it had to be one pair only, I’d wear the Undercover ‘Order/Disorder’ collab to annoy Ry.
After a brief stint in baseball during the 93/94 season, Michael Jordan returned to the court the following year. Coming back with a point to prove, his footwear had to coincide with how MJ was as a player.
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan XI was designed like no other in contrast to his previous model. Featuring a ballistic mesh upper that offered a more lighter feel as well as being durable. Further changes came with the use of carbon fibre shank plates on the medial sides of the outsole for more torque when cutting, this was encased in a translucent outsole. Furthermore, the element that made the Air Jordan XI stand out from then till present is the use of patent leather. This gave the silhouette an informal elegance look in which some used as dress shoes with their suits.
Whilst wearing this model, Jordan had one of his most impressive years to date where he clinched MVP, All-Star MVP and Finals MVP all while en route to securing his fourth championship ring.
The first colourway was the Air Jordan XI ‘Concord’ which was dressed in mainly white on the upper and midsole respectively. Black featured on the lining, heel, Jumpman on the ankle and on the patent leather as well as a translucent outsole with hits of Dark Concord. In its original state, MJ’s initial and famous ’23’ number is printed on the heel, however, this time around like the previous retro of the AJXI ‘Space Jam’ the number ’45’ is present. This was to honour the number he wore as a kid in baseball and coincided his return from that sport back to basketball.
The Air Jordan XI ‘Concord’ | Now available in-store and online. Sizes range from UK3 – UK15 (including half sizes), priced at £170.
Converse are a brand built on heritage. Although they are highly relevant in the contemporary footwear industry, the majority of the silhouettes we know and love today have a long and storied history. For example, the Chuck Taylor – one of the most widely recognisable shoes on the market – has over 100 years of heritage behind it, and the Converse One Star has remained roughly the same since the 1970’s.
The brands latest offering, The Converse Lucky Star, is no different. The Lucky Star was first introduced in 1967 under the name Chuck Taylor Lucky Star, however despite sharing a name and similar shape with its predecessor, that’s where the similarities end.
The Lucky Star was almost entirely different in its construction, featuring a unique toe bumper, a durable Army Duck upper and full-length sponge in-sole. The Lucky Star High and Lucky Star Oxford, both featured a refined and more Americanised take on the classic Chuck Taylor shape and wore the brands collegiate influences far more overtly. The Converse Lucky Star High collection will be available online from Saturday 8th of December, sizes range from UK6 – UK11 (including half sizes), with prices ranging from £65 – £70.
Converse’s strong understanding of the past makes them the go-to brand for those who appreciate clean, classic design. And with the brand reaching into their vault to release another perfect example of this, we felt it only right to speak to some of these people and get their thoughts on brands longevity.
NiallyCat (real name Niall Williams) is a graphic designer, illustrator and freelance artist who has made a name for himself with unique and vibrant work. Niall has affinity for all things pop-culture related however he’s particularly fond of trainers, specifically Converse. We sat down with him in his Leister studio to discuss his work, his love of Chuck Taylors and his impressions of the Lucky Stars.
Footpatrol: Hi Niall, thank you for inviting us to your studio today. For those who don’t know can you please explain a bit about yourself and your artwork?
NiallyCat: Thanks for coming through my Gs! I’m a freelance artist from and based in Leicester the crown jewel of the East Midlands. I make all sorts, illustrations, animation and sculptures.
FP: How did you get initially get into graphic design? And how has your style progressed over the years?
NC: I’ve always drawn since young, I then went on to do fine art at University where I mainly did painting and sculpture, but drawing has always been my release! I like to draw whilst I’m traveling on trains and stuff, just people doing normal stuff. That then evolved from my sketchbook to little illustrations which I enjoyed doing, so I started exploring it more and ended up finding out I could animate too!
I think my drawing style has developed but with everything else I make a conscious effort not to pigeon hole myself so in terms of style it can bounce around a bit.
FP: Do you remember your first pair of Converse that you brought that started it all for you?
NC: I don’t remember my first ever pair I must have been mad young, but when the red first strings dropped and then they started releasing mad colours it was a problem!
FP: How many pairs have you got now? And do you have a particular favourite from the collection?
NC: I think I have like 30 or so pairs now. My favourite would have to be the turquoise lows! It’s my favourite colour so there’s no contest. I loved the flag/bandana ones they dropped a couple years ago if I manage to get them they’d be a close second.
FP: All of your pairs are quite clearly worn in rotation – what do you think about a pair of Converse should it be kept pristine or worn in adding character?
NC: I like to wear them man, I think your footwear is a really easy way to express yourself outwardly. If you look at some of mine there’s paint on them, wood stain, plaster all sorts man but it’s an accurate take on me. I could probably remember what I was doing when I got the mark! But yeah wear your shoes man you could drop dead tomorrow.
FP: From a design perspective, a Chuck 70 is a relatively simple, classic shape yet it’s so distinctive and there are so many iterations around. Why do you they have remained so relevant to this day?
NC: It’s very difficult to really do something simple realllllly well. Simplicity leaves you open to scrutiny because it’s so much easier to pick faults. Converse in my opinion do the basics well before adding the thrills, the new insoles are a good example!
FP: On your Instagram I have seen you designed a custom pair of Chuck 70s with a repeat dinosaur print. Can you explain a little bit more about this to us?
NC: I want to make them! I’ve been trying to find a way to print onto them for time! When I get time, I’m going to just do it by hand and paint them. But Converse, I’m just letting you know I’ve got the pdfs on deck when you’re ready my dons!
FP: Anyone who’s come across your work would have seen you take inspiration from so many different areas whether it be music, football or pop culture. How do you decide what you are going to create?
NC: I don’t really over think it! I’ll think of things when I’m watching football or listening to music, like the animated Music video I’m making for Window Kid. I was listening to a clip and it really reminded me of streets of rage, so I shouted him to do the video! I try and write down everything, think about it and slowly work through it. It’s a real long list. The most important thing is actually doing it, there doesn’t have to be an end goal necessarily just see where you end up once I have made it.
FP: How does your approach for personal work to commissioned work differ?
NC: There’s not much difference I don’t approach it as a job if you get me. I tried doing the generic graphic design logos and branding and it wasn’t for me man, so I only really take on work I’m actually interested in. It sounds stubborn, but I think it’s what stops it feeling like a proper job and sucking the fun out of it. If you’ve got to do something for 40+ hours a week you should enjoy it, it’s like 2/3rds of your week! I approach every project with mad excitement, I’m usually itching to start, and I find it real hard to switch off which I used to think was bad but now I just roll with it, it’s how I work and it works for me!
FP: What are your first impressions of the Converse Lucky Star? And how do you think it fits into the current Converse roster?
NC: Vintage looking, remind me of that 60s American sort of style! The choice of lettering on the ankle patch is a real nice too as well.
FP: Finally how can people keep up with your work? And what can we expect to see from yourself going into 2019?
NC: Mainly on my Instagram. I’ve got a couple animated music videos dropping in the next couple months, my creative house is launching in Leicester next year so keep an eye out for Club House. Niallycat merchandise, my first solo show, so there’s a lot!
