Converse step into the world of high fashion with their new collection, Converse by John Varvatos. A major coup for the sportswear label, John Varvatos has added a sophisticated and innovative edge to a brand more known for their sneakers than their apparel. If you aren’t too familiar with Varvatos’ work, never fear, Sneaker Freaker is here to give you a quick background history.
Hailing from Detroit, Michigan and doing his Greek parents proud, John got his first taste of fashion working as part of the Polo Ralph Lauren team back in 1983 where his skills led him to powerhouse Calvin Klein as Head of Menswear Design in 1990. After a 5 year stint at CK he moved back to familiar waters and became VP of Menswear Design at Polo only to take the reigns of his own label John Varvatos four years later.
Mixing vintage with a rock and roll sensibility it was fate calling when the infamous punk rock club CBGB went up for sale in NYC in 2007. It seemed the perfect joint to house Varvatos’ boutique. So John bought the establishment and turned it on its head to become a whole new landmark in fashion history, keeping the rock heritage within its walls. The same year, John was crowned GQ Designer of the Year, and with all the accolades and ability to keep fashion on the cutting edge, Converse came calling and Varvatos took on the collaboration with a refreshing verve not seen in a sportswear brand to date.
Infusing his signature mix of old meets new, the Converse by John Varvatos line takes a no boundaries approach to design, mixing and matching textures, layers and materials to create a chic, elegant yet still offbeat and original collection. And never fear, the footwear line is also graced with the JV touch, with the All Star Low and All Star Bosy Boot featured here. With a few other designs to drop as part of the collection, hit up www.converse.com for more information. Expect to see the JV collection dropping this Fall on runways around the globe.
