Today marks the launch of Nigel Cabourn for Converse First String footwear collection, which features the Chuck Taylor All Star Bosey and the all-new Chuck Taylor All Star Specialty Plimsole. The UK-based designer is known for his infusion of military fabrics into his work, and that’s precisely what he’s done here with the First String collection. Cabourn examined Converse’s rich American heritage of boots and sneakers for the outdoors and the military and aligned the classic Chuck Taylor All Star Bosey with WWII flight suit fabric uppers in military-inspired navy and olive green colors.
The Chuck Taylor All Star Specialty Plimsole fuses a 1941 British P.E. training shoe with vintage Converse detailing. An ultra-high grade Italian denim is featured on the sneaker’s upper and is paired with a canvas lining and utilitarian garment detailing.
The Ventile fabric adds such a strong element of history and design to this collection. I chose the All Star Bosey for its military-like chunky sole and 1940s appeal. I had been thinking about creating a British Army P.E. sneaker, hence the development of the plimsole silhouette.
The Nigel Cabourn for Converse footwear collection will be available at End Clothing in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Concepts in Boston, and Tenue de Nimes in Amsterdam.
