New York – Last week Converse debuted their new souvenir jacket
collection. The sneakers are available in two premium incarnations of the
classic high-top model, and draw inspiration from the “Sukajyan” jackets
that originated on post-WWII Japan. The sneakers seem to be one of
Converse’s most unique collaborations to date.
Back during WWII, departing U.S. servicemen and women commissioned local
Japanese craftsmen to produce unique items of clothing that they could take
home with them as memorabilia from their time in Asia. The jackets were
constructed by modifying existing garments from parachute silk. While it
might sound a bit absurd, it’s very hard to go wrong with a material as
luxurious as silk.
Western silhouettes would be embellished with vibrant embroidery on the
jackets, encompassing symbols such as tigers, dragon, flowers, and trees.
The designs were completed with American iconography like eagles, military
regalia, local maps, and squadron names.
No further details have been released about the shoe yet, but price points
are expected to follow in the next few weeks.