Original Marimekko patterns from the 1960s created by the well-known Finnish textile mill are applied to some Converse favorites in this special collection. The signature prints are paired with such classic Converse styles as Jack Purcells and All Star Hi and low tops.
Right now, about half the Marimekko Converse kicks are on sale. Here's a look at the 13 shoes in the collection:
Each pair of the 13 different styles comes with a matching cinch bag made in the Marimekko pattern, like those shown below:
above: three new pairs of kicks inspired by Kevin Smith's Clerks for Etnies; Clerks, Quick Stop and 37.
The action apparel and footwear company Etnies revealed some very fun new Kevin Smith -inspired sneakers at the 2010 Comic Con show.
Kevin Smith, the writer, director and star of the 1994 cult flick Clerks -and the guy who was 'too fat' to fly in recent news- teamed up with skater and surfer brand Etnies for three new fun pairs of kicks inspired by his hit movie.
Jay & Silent Bob Got Sole. above: a still from Clerks featuring Jason Mewes (Silent Bob) and Kevin Smith (Jay) above: Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes strike a pose as their characters Jay and Silent Bob, at Comic Con
One of the pairs of shoes feature Kevin Smith and co-star Jason Mewes on the soles and the movie's logotype on the shoes.
The other two Kevin Smith-inspired pairs also refer to the film Clerks. The yellow say "Quick Stop Groceries" on the heel, a reference to the convenience store in the movie.
The red pair has the number "37" on it referencing this funny and memorable scene from the movie:
The Quik Stop kicks and the 37 kicks:
Presented as an enticing giveway at Comic Con, the shoes will be produced and available for sale at Etnies soon (date not yet announced.).
In addition to the sneakers, tee-shirts with Kevin's own photo poking good-natured fun at himself, accompanied by the phrase "Too Phat To Fly" in white and heather grey will also be available.
Artist Jenny Holzer, best known for her projections, LED installations and truisms -- artwork made with words, is collaborating with Keds for the Whitney Museum to launch a special collection that features her famous phrase "PROTECT ME FROM WHAT I WANT" which has previously appeared on everything from golf balls, a BMW v12 race car, condoms, on wooden postcards and installed on buildings and more as art projects.
The KEDS, which feature the phrase, will be available in both high and low tops, canvas and leather and in black or white: above: artist Jenny Holzer, courtesy of artnet
"It's great that Keds and the Whitney are friends," states Jenny Holzer. "I have a renewed respect for shoe designers."
The collection, which is expected to retail for approximately $70-$75 a pair, will be available at select Bloomingdale's stores nationwide beginning in July, as well as on bloomingdales.com and keds.com starting in July 2010.
The All-American Converse classic, Chuck Taylors (aka "Chucks") have been given an Italian makeover in stunning handcrafted leather.
With only 64 pairs available in each color (milk or black), the supple leather and suede versions of the classic shoe are entirely handmade by Italian trained designer Ryusaku Hiruma. “I wanted to bring together the history of Florence and Converse’s legacy,” designer Ryusaku Hiruma of Sak says of the collaboration. Hand cut adornments, hand stitched leather, perforated star logo and all leather soles are some of the elegant touches.
Of course, at $600.00 a pair, chances are you won't be shooting hoops in them.
Black:
Milk (ivory leather and sand suede laces and toecap): Available for purchase at Opening Ceremony.
