Converse Spring/Summer 2014

Innovations in color

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Sport shoe label Converse, makers of the Chuck Taylor all-stars and Jack Purcell collections, recently unveiled its color-infused Summer 2014 collection through a mini-fashion show at the Ayala Terraces mall in Fairview. Simply dubbed “Sneakers Clash,” the summer trunk presented fab designs in shoe, bags and sporty get-up.

The event invited mall-goers to step into a kaleidoscopic world where squeaky clean white totes, shirts and sneakers were spun in a clash-box and all came out with a swirl of colors. Revelers got to leave vibrant sole prints on the immaculate tiled floor while A-Team dance members, in body paint, magically blended into dazzling murals; transforming both painted forms into unique works of art.

“We will not only paint the town red but also in a multitude and dazzling array of colors. With the Summer collection featuring the most brilliant, eye-popping colors, it’s time to smear, spray, and jazz-up the flat, the monochromatic, and the boring,” enthused marketing & advertising manager Kate Oliva.

Capping the ‘Sneakers Clash’ show was a slew of performances from indie bands Grace Note, Peso Movement, Paranoid City and Stereo Deal. The event also saw the launch of the aforementioned bands as the newest brand ambassadors, alongside media personality Michael Carandang as Jack Purcell creative curator. Now based in the Philippines, Carandang has served as a producer of popular US TV programs like The Tyra Banks Show and America’s Next Top Model.

Called the All-Star Core Creative, Peso Movement reflects the iconoclastic streak of the classic sneakers but at the same time remain in tune with the urban pulse of the mainstream. On the other hand, relative newcomer Grace Note, hailed as Converse Creative Connector, seeks to make their every performance a distinct and remarkable experience for audiences.

For navigating the musical terrain with lightning-fast beats and catchy lyrics, Stereo Deal is tagged as Cons Creative Active while Paraniod City is named Jack Purcell Creative Curators as their music is a mélange of different genres, that’s at once subtle and hypnotic.

“We have carefully chosen our brand ambassadors to reflect the spirit of Converse: rebellious but in a fun, creative way. They are trailblazers and influencers in their respective fields; from the alternative scene to pop culture and from tri-media to social media. We are certain that they will make Converse as the stomping ground for their creative expressions,” Kate added.