Pros of Cons
Just when I think that Converse All-Stars have reached the peak of their popularity, another kind of guy comes along, adopts them into his style, makes them look new again, and sets them off into a another direction of popularity. First designed in 1917 as basketball shoes, All-Stars have consistently offered an authentic, old school alternative to the more technically ambitious, space age-like sneakers on the market over the past few decades. Beginning in the 1950s when they made their transition from athletic shoe to everyday street shoe, Chuck Taylors (as they are often called in honor of the basketball player who popularized them) have been embraced by everyone from Johnny Carson to Rick Springfield (huh?? -- just check out the picture). Even the Gap now sells them -- if that doesn't give them the stamp of classic American icon I can't imagine what would.
Converse All-Stars immortalized by Andy Warhol in a 1985 drawing. (Photo: Corbis)
I love this guy -- it's his second time on my blog. His tweed vest seems to be his signature -- and he dresses it down here with jeans and Converse All-Stars. Madison Avenue, May 2008.
Chuck Taylors made their way from sports shoes to street shoes sometime in the mid-fifties. Ca. 1955. (Photo: Getty)
To be honest, I'm not a big fan of the John Varvatos "lace-less" All-Star look -- but it sure is popular. Bleecker Street, NYC, September 2007.
Johnny Carson wears Converse sneakers to kick a ball around with Brazilian soccer star Pelé on The Tonight Show. 1973. (Photo: Corbis)
While I am mostly a fan of sneakers in neutral colors, sometimes the right color -- like red here -- can be the making of a great outfit. Prince Street, NYC, 2007.
Bob Watson (Kentucky guard) leaps at a very tall Bill Spivy during a practice session at Madison Square Garden, NYC, 1949. (Photo: Corbis)
My friend Sam takes great pride in his vintage Converse All-Stars. He especially loves the bowling shoe-like stripe down the front. Freemans Sporting Club, NYC, September 2007.
"Jessie's Girl" singer Rick Springfield wears All-Stars backstage in his dressing room before a concert. Anaheim, C.A., 1974. (Photo: Getty)
A cool velcro version of Converse All-Stars I spotted on the street. Mott Street, NYC, August 2007.
Designer Philippe Starck photographed for the May 2008 Men's Vogue. Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo: Jonas Karlsson)
In my neighborhood, Converse All-Stars complete the downtown "freelancer" look. Mercer Street, NYC, May 2008.
Rapper and actor André 3000. Los Angeles, California. July, 2006. (Photo: WireImage)
The Cleveland Browns practice in All-Stars. 1959. (Photo: Corbis)
After last week's "Family Ties"-era pic of Michael J. Fox, it would have been nice to have included the pint-sized Canadian this week wearing black Converse as Mart McFly in "Back To The Future".
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/2551/martymcflywearsconversecq6.gif
I only recently discovered this blog and I already look forward to it. I enjoy the carefully selected themes and mix of vintage celebrity photos and on-the-street pics.
Aren't those Converse Jack Purcells Philippe Starck's wearing?