Session 1 : The Historical Object

​​COMME des GARCONS PLAY X CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR 1970S HIGH
 
I have chosen to analyse a pair of my shoes, more specifically my CDG x Converse. I am a really big fan of the overall design of theses shoes as I think the bright red heart on the side of the shoe contrasts well with the dark black and white colourway of the shoe. This also gives the shoe some character and allows it to stand out from other typical converse shoes which I like as I feel like I gain some personal identity from this as I enjoy wearing unique clothing items that stand out which allows me to express myself from a simple design on a pair of shoes.
 
The materials used are standard of converse shoes using a canvas upper and a rubber outsole. Although since this was a collaboration with the French / Japanese luxury fashion brand COMME des GARÇONS, which is known for its unconventional silhouettes as well as its avant garde aesthetic, the shoe also features branding with the iconic heart shaped logo.
 
Converse was founded in 1908 by Marquis Mills, and originally started out manufacturing winter shoes featuring the iconic rubber sole. Then not long after they had started producing athletic footwear for sports such as football, tennis and more commonly known for its basketball shoe, the converse all-star silhouette, which was then developed into the Chuck Taylor All Star silhouette. As well as creating athletic shoes, converse also produced some training shoes for the US military during World War 2.
 
I think the simplistic design of converse shoes allow it to be commonly worn with anything and everything across all genders, ages and cultural backgrounds. It can also easily be dressed up to achieve a smarter look or dressed down to create a more casual look. This Is one reason I believe converse has been a very successful brand.