Second lecture Takashi Abe

Changing the shoelaces to cotton laces is my own personal preference.

What does Converse mean to you, Mr. Abe?

section (of an orange, etc.)Of course, I had known of the existence of these shoes since I was a child, but it wasn't until I was in college, I believe, that I paid for one. Until then, I had a personal image of "Zooks" (laughs). But by the time I realized it, I was wearing "All Star" shoes all the time. In my case, I always wear high-cut shoes when I wear long pants, so naturally, I wear only high-cut All-Stars. Of course, there was a time when I wore low-cut shoes, but when I think of "All Star," I think of high-cut shoes. In addition, as far as vintage shoes are concerned, I think that the late US-made shoes from the '80s and '90s are more practical, reasonably priced, and easier to deal with than the so-called "special vintage" shoes like "Chuck Taylor. However, I actually wear the current models the most (laugh). (Laughs.) I'm just fine with wearing the current model with cotton laces instead of the affordable current model.

Abe's Pick up_01

'90s ALL ATAR HI BLACKWATCH

section (of an orange, etc.)My first pair is the "All Star" black watch pattern. I got them in the early 90's, I believe, in a timely fashion. They may not be a particularly rare model, but I'm a sucker for blackwatch, and I want to get a pair just because they are blackwatch, whether it's for wear, an umbrella, or a bag. Come to think of it, my son's stroller is also Black Watch. I bought it after the fact from my wife (laughs). At the same time as the black watch, tartan check and gingham check were also released, right?

the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I still have a gingham check. I still have a gingham check.

section (of an orange, etc.)They have a traditional image, and I thought that if they were vintage, like '90s or so, I could wear them without too much concern. They're not that expensive, are they?

chestnut field. Well, but I think you can put about 20,000 yen on it. The only blackwatch models available from Converse are this one or the L.L. Bean special-order model.

section (of an orange, etc.)Yes, yes. But the L.L. Bean special order ones will always deteriorate at the side guards, right?

chestnut fieldWas the sole of the Black Watch white?

section (of an orange, etc.)White, I guess.

chestnut field. I think they'll be fine. L.L. Bean's special order sole and guard parts come in white, moss green, and black, but the other two colors always deteriorate.

section (of an orange, etc.)Heh . So I can wear white soles without worrying about deterioration?

chestnut fieldYes, it is.

section (of an orange, etc.)And I haven't changed the "All Star" I brought today yet, but as I mentioned at the beginning, regarding the models that used blended laces after the '80s, I've been making my own commitment to replace all of them with cotton laces.

Fujiwara:It's not genuine Converse, is it? Where can I buy one?

section (of an orange, etc.)Of course it's not genuine. I guess I'll just find them online and buy them in bulk.

Fujiwara:I'd be happy if they made them in genuine "Converse.

section (of an orange, etc.)But our special order model (Converse x Beams 40th special order model) used cotton laces, so I'm sure they make genuine ones. However, our special-order model (Converse x BEAMS 40th special-order model) used cotton laces, so I am sure they make genuine ones as well.

the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)As I recall, if it is a special order, it should be possible to order it.

section (of an orange, etc.). I see. Well, the reason for the cotton laces may be the same as what Konno said earlier about removing the tag from the shoe tongue. It's my own idea of vintage style. It's a bit self-satisfying, but just by changing the laces, the impression changes a lot.

Fujiwara:Well, one of Converse's great achievements is that it was one of the first to adopt the interpretation of fashion, like this Black Watch.' And I think that in the 80's, the "All Star" was already beyond the confines of basketball.

chestnut fieldCertainly. In the '80s, there were models with vivid coloring and lame material, while in the '90s, corduroy and flannel were used, and the use of materials typical of that era may be part of the "Converse" style.

Abe's Pick up_02

'80s Jams by CONVERSE SKID GRIP CONRAD

section (of an orange, etc.)The second pair is the "Conrad", a special order from Jam's. . They are a high cut of "Skid Grip" shoes. Jam's" is a Hawaiian brand, but it seems to have changed its name to "Jam's World" now. There are many variations of patterns other than this model, but to be honest, they are all so bizarre that I can't imagine myself wearing them (laughs). But I like this coloring very much.

the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I've never seen this color scheme before either. A few years ago, there was a large number of Jam's special-order items in some stores, but I didn't see this color scheme.

section (of an orange, etc.). yes, I know. The most popular coloring was even reissued a few years ago.

the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I see.

section (of an orange, etc.)As for this color or pattern, I personally feel that it could have come from any high brand right now. It looks like it could be sold in the Minami-Aoyama 5-chome area (laugh).

all of us(Laughter).

section (of an orange, etc.)I think the multi-colored doves are one of the selling points, but four yellow ones are used consecutively on the outside of the right leg, and they are not multi-colored at all (laughs).

the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)Indeed (laughs). It looks like it was made with a lot of care, but the result is messy (laughs).

chestnut fieldThe "Skid Grip," which is this low-cut model, has also had a fashionable approach to color schemes and material use since the '80s, so perhaps the "Conrad" was an extension of this trend. By the way, I heard that "Converse Japan" is uploading the history of each model on their website, and they are going to feature "Skid Grip" next.

the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)Compared to "Chuck Taylor" and "Jack Purcell," it may be slightly less popular, but it has an Ivy-esque image, and I think it's just right now.

Abe's Pick up_03

'90s ALL STAR HI

section (of an orange, etc.)The third pair is an "All Star" from the American made era, circa early '90s. As I said at the beginning, this one can still be found in vintage at a forgivable price, and I thought it would be nice to get a color that is not in the current version anyway. . This is a dead stock, but a color called "Petrol" that I got at a cheap price. I don't think it's practical to buy canvas sneakers like "Chuck Taylor" for 40,000-50,000 yen, and I don't dare to wear them because I'm a poor person at least (laugh).

Fujiwara:This is just my personal opinion, but I still like the form of the sole of the "Chuck Taylor" era, which is curved upward, and I don't like the form that is curved the other way after the '80s....

section (of an orange, etc.)I see. Well, I'm not saying that I'm a big fan of vintage Jack Purcell, but vintage Jack Purcell is still cool (laughs). The early Jack Purcell model with the toe cap painted navy in the center , is always cool. I was surprised to see about $3,000 on eBay the other day.

chestnut fieldThat one also has a lot to do with the popularity in Thailand.

the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I think "Converse Addict" will be enough for me.

section (of an orange, etc.)They were reissued in my timeline a few years ago, and I still wear those "Jack Purcell" shoes a lot because they are pretty well made. If they reissue them again, I would buy more than one. Back to the subject, some of the "All-Stars" from the early '90s have the side stitching that reinforced the fabric, don't they?

chestnut fieldI think that was a specification unique to the transitional period. I think it is common to think that the fabric was applied in the late '80s and the side stitching only was applied in the early '90s.

the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I like it better with side stitching, too. It's simply cooler.

section (of an orange, etc.)But depending on the individual, the side stitches are almost sewn in, or square, or round, and there are many different patterns, aren't there? . Especially in the latter half of the year, I can't feel the motivation.

all of us(Laughter).

chestnut field. There is an appropriateness that can only be found in America. However, even at "Chuck Taylor," 3 stars are round, but by the time they reach 1 star, squares are mixed in, and depending on the item, the shape may be different on the left and right sides. . There may be some slight differences depending on the factory, etc.  

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