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Comme Des Garcons x Converse collaboration

A collab that combines both heritage Americana silhouettes and Japanese avant-garde graphics, Aphrodite welcome the newest additions to the Converse x Comme des Garcons PLAY collections.  Comme-des-garcons-converse-1

Rei Kawakubo founded the Japanese fashion house in 1969, with CDG collections challenging the status quo with their high-concept, ostentatious and daring designs ever since. Launched in 2002, the PLAY diffusion line aimed to harness the ‘against the grain’ nature of Kawakubo stylings and streamline them to capture a more high-street ready audience. With this came the birth of the iconic heart with eyes logo, designed by Polish artist Filip Pagowski. The graphics can now be found in various arrangements across different CDG pieces and in collaboration with fashion giants such as A Bathing Ape, KAWS, and of course, Converse. 

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A staple in the rotations of every man and his dog, it is for good reason that the Chuck Taylor ’70s have graced our feet for over a century now. The classic basketball silhouettes offer timelessly simple styling complimented by uncontended comfort. A sturdy high-street companion, crafted with lightweight cotton canvas, the supportive and resistant rubber soles hallmark the makings of the brand, with the founder of Converse; Marquis Mills Converse, creating his first pair of rubber soled shoes after falling down the stairs in a bid to prevent it from happening again!  

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It is indeed these very soles that steal the show in the newest editions of the 12-year Converse x CDG partnership, featured in a daring red colourway. Not only a devilishly bold design component, the soles of these trainers feature enhanced cushioning across the span of the insole, a feature synonymous with the Converse ‘comfort is key’ ethos.  

The remainder of the shoe is pretty similar to previous editions of the partnership; off-white toe box, laces, exposed stitching, and of course, the iconic heart with eyes applique on the outer ankle. The only difference is that the symbol features in its entirety in this edition, a contrast to the ‘peek-a-boo’ styling of the partnership’s previous designs.  

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So, if you are looking spice up your wardrobe, why not grab your own pair of spirited chucks in store or online at Aphrodite Clothing, where previous Converse x CDG editions are also available. 

 

 

Chuck Taylor All Star II with Counter Climate Technology – Available Now Online and In-Store

The iconic Chuck Taylor All Star trainer has been a household name since 1920, when Converse released their first canvas basketball trainer. Throughout the years All Stars have been worn around the world by musicians, artists and sportsmen alike, making them a timeless fashion statement.

In 2015, Converse released the All Star II’s in which the original design was updated to make it stronger and more comfortable. This year, Converse have added new styles with Counter Climate technology, making the classic trainers more weather-resistant and durable than ever before. Aphrodite are proud to stock the following styles from the Counter Climate range:

1. Shield Canvas – The classic All Star II silhouette constructed with water-repelling 18oz Shield Canvas, which resists the absorption of water allowing you to wear them during any season. Available in black and white colourways, with contrasting lava coloured eyelets and lining.

2. Rubber – The traditional All Star II shape, made with a woven heat reflecting barrier for added warmth. This style also has a waterproof, translucent rubber coating for the ultimate weather-resistant design. This style is available in a black colourway with black laces and classic white rubber sole.

Both of these styles feature the cushioned Nike Lunarlon insole, a padded, non-slip gusseted tongue to keep feet dry and micro-suede lining for the utmost comfort. The staple circular Chuck Taylor All Star logo can be found on the side of the trainers, as well as the customary rubber-printed branding on the heels. The Counter Climate technology on the All Star II’s make them the most versatile style Converse have produced yet – whether you’re dressed up or down, Converse have produced a style that can be worn through even the wettest of weather.

Priced between £69 and £75, shop for the Chuck Taylor All Star II’s with Counter Climate technology at Aphrodite, online and in-store now.

Converse Shield Canvas

Converse Brand Guide

Converse

Converse

Converse first started out in 1908, as a rubber shoe company who specialised in galoshes which was just a seasonal process. After a while, the designers decided to keep work going all year round by making shoes. Converse used rubber to make sneakers which they named the ‘All Star’. A silhouette which has had a large cultural impact on generations ever since.

The intended use of the All Star was to be worn on the court, but they have since become associated with music, culture and art, including fashion. The converse silhouette is a distinctive one, which is brimming with American heritage. It’s very rare to not see someone wearing a pair of Converse, they have become a statement shoe over the years, also known as the ‘baseball boot’ or the ‘plimsoll’.

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In particular, the iconic silhouette is the Chuck Taylor high top which has earned its place as a statement piece of UK streetwear. The ‘All Star’ was produced in 1917, and was made most popular by Charles ‘Chuck’ Taylor, who was a basketball player for the Akron Firestones. Taylor realised the shoes potential and started working for Converse, even becoming a coach for the company’s basketball team, the ‘All Stars’. Chuck Taylor was so successful in promoting the shoe, his name was added to the iconic badge on the side of the shoe.

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Here at Aphrodite we stock a wide range of the Chuck Taylor silhouette in both the low and high-top. The Chuck Taylor All Star is available in both canvas and leather uppers for a distinctive look. The Jack Purcell signature styles are also available in a range of colours. The Jack Purcell trainers are crafted from a softer leather, making them comfortable and breathable for the wearer. The sole unit of the shoe contains Nike Zoom Air Technology and Ortholite technology for a lightweight and cushioned experience.

To shop our range of Converse, click here or visit our Sunderland store.