Exquisite color schemes and attention to detail.
PROFILE
Stylist. . He is active in a wide variety of fields, including directing the visual production of brand looks and e-commerce sites. She is also in charge of visual direction for the online stores of "Nana Mika" and "The North Face Purple Label. Her favorite "All Star" shoes are the retro models.
PROFILE
He has been involved with NANAMICA, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, since its early days, and currently supports the brand as a division manager. He wears All Star sneakers three days a week and owns dozens of pairs. Although he usually prefers low-cut sneakers, he has a soft spot for the high-cut All Star.
PROFILE
. He is also the PR chief of "Converse Japan". Starting with this collaboration, he is carrying out various initiatives to commemorate the brand's 115th anniversary this year. He says, "Personally, I like to wear my All-Stars half a size up and tighten the laces.
- Here is the "All Star Earl" by Nanamica and Converse.
Tanaka:It's nice and simple.
Nomura:I think it was unlikely, and I think it was a good idea.
Tanaka:It looks calm and relaxed , which makes me want to wear it.
Nishizu:I liked the sole in gray.
Nomura:. At first I was going to go with white. The origin of "NANA MICAH" is the ocean, so navy and white was good because it has a maritime image, but I wanted to make it a little more relaxed.
- . surely, navy and white would be a strong contrast.
Tanaka:Is the gray sole originally a Converse color?
Nishizu:We produced this product for this collaboration. I think the colors are exquisite.
Nomura:I had the sole reduced to a less shiny finish. Gray replacement laces are also included.
Tanaka:The almost black navy upper is typical of Nanamica.
- . The design is clean and graceful.
Nomura:Since the "All Star" is a permanent staple, we did not change the design significantly, but went with color and function. All the decorations, including the ankle patches and sole lines, are dark navy. This navy is the result of repeated adjustments to the coloring.
Gray laces are included. They are somewhat softer than the navy laces.
Nishizu:. The ankle patches are in the same color, which I think is another key to making them look cohesive.
Nomura:I had it printed many times to make sure it was not too modest or too assertive.
Nishizu:. the canvas upper is a little thicker than the regular "All Star Earl". Is that with the ruggedness of a vintage item in mind?
Nomura:. yes, I did. . In addition to that, I requested a thicker canvas because I wanted them to wear them for a long time and enjoy the aging process.
Nishizu:Usually we use 12 ounces , but this one is 14 ounces.
Tanaka:Does the difference in ounces make a difference in how it looks?
Nomura:A little bit . . also, the comfort may be different. Functional clothing is required by different markets, isn't it? If it is for mountaineering, then lightweight and compact. But if it's supposed to be for city use, I want it to be reassuringly heavy. . so, a slightly heavier, thicker canvas.
- I sometimes like the heavy-duty weight.
Nomura:For example, I like thick wool jackets from "Filson", but I like them to be very heavy. . I refer to those vintage good points, but it's high-tech because it's GORE-TEX fabric. I would be happy if you could taste that.
Tanaka:It's not easy to understand and catchy , but that's good. I think it has a good quality that can be understood by a wide range of people.
Nomura:. it was difficult, but that's what we tried to do. . "Nana Mika" itself is like that. It is an ordinary design that is not flashy, but the fabrics, sewing, and colors are unique. We are particular about the ordinary look.
Nishizu:. the same goes for the "All Star." Basically, the look hasn't changed much in over 100 years, but those who have worn them notice the changes.
Nomura:. yes. . the "All Star" has a classic look but updated comfort, and I share your attitude of constancy and challenge.
-Did Converse ask you to do this collaboration?
Nishizu:Yes, that's right. As Converse celebrates its 115th anniversary this year, we were planning to create a model that would surpass the All-Stars we have released in the past.
-that was the foundation of this collaboration, the All Star Earl.
Nishizu:I have been allowed to use GORE-TEX fabric in the "All Star 100" since 2017, and I considered including it in the "All Star Earl," but that wouldn't be fresh enough. That's when I came up with the idea of "NANAMICA," which makes good use of GORE-TEX fabric. There are many fans of "NANAMICA" in Converse.
Nomura:I'm glad to hear that. We sell "All-Stars" in our stores, and someone wears "All-Stars" every day. . So this was the most exciting project for all the staff over the past year or so.
