Converse Latin American Designers present ‘Mi Gente’

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a preview of Converse shoe collection to learn more about the brand and its roots in culture, music, skate, sport and utility.

Known as All Stars that became popular by American basketball player Charles ‘Chuck’ Taylor back in 1923. They soon became referred to as Converse Chuck Taylors. Taylor was sponsored by the Converse Company, called The Converse All Stars. From then, the sneaker’s popularity grew and became popular for many basketball players, soldiers and Olympic athletes.

Fun Fact: Converse is a subsidiary of Nike, Inc. since 2003. 

Converse presented a lineup of regenerated icons and reimagined design innovation that includes Mi Gente, Mi Alegría, an annual initiative and collection that recognizes and supports Latin American heritage and its creative vibrancy and spirit.

Converse

This year’s Mi Gente capsule collection was created by Latin American Converse designers, as a collective expression of culture. These shoes are a tribute to Latinx roots, offering a place of joy – de pura alegría– to honor the vibrancy that makes the many communities of Latin American culture so full of life. 

Converse

The collection features classic Converse silhouettes that take inspiration from music, art, food, traditions, fabric, and family. The shoe company partnered with L.A. based collective Pangea Sound, to bring this vibrant collection to life through their forms of alegría.

“The goal with Pangea Sound is to create a borderless community where people from all different backgrounds and different representations can come enjoy themselves, be themselves, and be on the same wavelength as everybody,” states Supernova, musician Pangea Sound.

Converse shoes

Converse photo by Jill Weinlein

New this year are platform soles enabling the wearer to stand tall and elevate their style with a pair of platform sneakers, designed to add height and attitude to any outfit. There were also a few Chuck Taylors also called the Chuck 70. These have a different price aesthetic, materials, fit, and sole than the Converse All Star.

 

Converse shoes – photo by Jill Weinlein

Converse makes Converse CONS exclusively for skateboarding for board-ready style. They are made with extra durable materials and offer superior comfort for shredding the streets. Featuring CTAS Pro, One Star Pro and the Louie Lopez Pro, these shoes keep you at the top of your form. They are available in slip, low and high top skate shoes for both men and women. It’s an iconic look built with skate-ready element.

Whether you are going to work, taking a vacation, shopping in the city or getting married, wearing a pair of Converse sneakers are versatile, comfortable and fun.