The hardwood floor of the basketball courts, the concrete ground of the streets of Milan: two apparently distant surfaces that are actually deeply connected. The first saw the triumph of the greatest champions of this sport, the second sees today the comeback of a sneaker that has written the history of that sport.
From the ‘70s until today, the Converse Pro Leather has established as a legendary silhouette, worn by players with the likes of Julius Erving, better known as Dr J, the loyal companion of successes, victories and unforgettable moments. 2019 sees the return of such an important sneaker, this time reimagined by Ibn Jasper, creative based in Chicago, deeply connected with the Pro Leather. The Converse Pro Leather x Ibn Jasper represents the blending of all the elements that characterize the American brand, from sports to fashion, from music to pure creativity. According to Jasper’s vision, the sneakers dip in white, inspired by a famous Dr. J picture, a style choice that goes beyond the basketball courts and arrives at today’s street style.
Modeling the silhouette is Roshelle, one of the most interesting and eclectic female artists of the last few years, who turned her colorful, vibrant and bold aesthetic into her benchmark.
“I feel honored to be part of the Converse history. As it happens with personal relations, when two good things come together they end up creating something magic. ”
And if many see the Pro Leather as merely a men’s sneaker, Roshelle will make them change their minds.
“I think that Converse has chosen an artist, regardless of gender. I love wearing the Pro Leather with men’s high sporty socks, those with the blue and red band.”
Roshelle may represent an unexpected choice, but she perfectly mirrors the evolution of the sneaker game: there are no more barriers nor boundaries, every woman is free to wear whatever she wants, without labels or established rules.
“I’m very instinctive and I dress depending on what I want to communicate, I want to be comfortable to do whatever I need to do. I go from futuristic to old school, from baggy to super tight. I go from Converse to high heels shoes covered in diamonds. Maybe my style can be defined as mix&match.”
“I love joining the cause, carrying a message. Not the Pro Leather but the people are carrying on this message, the spokespersons that have decided to believe in Converse and that with their energy and positive attitude love the brand so much that they make also other people love it. Know what you’re doing and you’ll know what you did, I say this to myself a lot. ”
