Converse(ly) Speaking

I love the Converse brand. The shoes (I have two pairs, Whitni has three, our little sister has one), the socks (yes, I have socks), the clothes (Whitni has a Converse jacket), everything. Even the logo, which I am considering getting a tattoo of. I know, it sounds crazy, right? I mean, its just a brand.

Right?

See, I don't see Converse as just a brand. I also see it as a statement. But more on that later.

First, a little history. Production of the shoes started in 1908, and were available to women, men and children. There were shoes for sports like tennis and basketball. Soldiers (yes, soldiers) wore them in World War II, and Converse was officially recognized for its contributions. In military training today, they still use shoes/boots manufactured by Converse.

Celebs have been wearing them forever. And in the '50s, wearing Converse was considered an act of rebellion. The number of youth wearing them increased dramatically. This continued through the '70s and '80s, until the popularity started going under. And it just got worse and worse, until, in 2001, Converse filed for bankruptcy. In 2003, Nike bought Converse, and this is where we stand today. (Thanks www.conversestore.net/History1.html for the info)

I never got to wear Converse before Nike got them, and some people complain that the shoes are not the same, but I wouldn't know. All I know is that I love the shoes and what they stand for. I think Converse stands for youth, for activism, for originality, for the present day, as well as the past. Converse is a sign of the times.

It's a shoe for every person. You can find the old-fashioned black and white All-Stars, some Converse boots for that fashionista in your life, or some One Star strap-ons, Nemo style, for your favorite nephew.

When people tell me they don't own a pair of Converse, I always ask why not. Many say they never thought about it, or they just don' think it would look good on them. Not true, and I encourage everyone to go out to your local show store, or go to www.converse.com, and find yourself your shoe.

Because Converse is a multi-generational shoe, and it holds no boundaries.

-Rai

P.S- Happy Halloween!!! Now go design some black and orange Converse!!