FEATURE | TIE UP

Translated By DeepL

An all-star in the colors of Nanamica, which seems ordinary but is anything but ordinary.
nanamica × CONVERSE

An all-star in the colors of Nanamica, which seems ordinary but is anything but ordinary.

The "All Star" is the first collaboration between "NANAMICA" and "Converse". The next-generation "All Star Earl," launched last December, reflects NANAMICA's concept colors and signature GORE-TEX material, condensing the icons of each into a single pair. The result is extremely simple. In addition to the two models, we invited Mr. Tanaka, the stylist in charge of the visual production, to discuss the true meaning of "ordinary.

  • Photo_Masashi Ura
  • Text_Shogo Komatsu
  • illustration_Hisayuki Hiranuma
  • Edit_Shun Koda

. the evolution of the "All Star" and the GORE-TEX fabrics.

Tanaka:. the insoles, too, are navy and gray, and the details are very thoughtful.

- Its insole is the React 2.0, which was first introduced in the All Star Earl, and it looks totally different.

Nishizu:E.V.A. heel cup to hold the heel in place for improved fit and shock absorption. The forefoot cushioning has been changed to one layer and made slightly thinner, so the foot does not feel cramped when inserted.

Nomura:A little higher rebound?

Nishizu:Yes, that's right. . we made them slightly more resilient so as not to compromise comfort by making them thinner.

Nomura:Sure, the "All Star 100" had a thicker forefoot and better cushioning, but I couldn't deny the feeling of leanness. That didn't bother me, though, because it was so easy to walk in. Now that they are less prone to sinking, they are easier to run in , perfect for when I'm in a hurry. I'm always in a rush (laughs).

Tanaka:I think this will be ready in time (laughs).

Nishizu:The front of the insole is made of recycled cotton , and the blue part on the back is also made of recycled material. Rather, the upper and sole are basically all made of recycled materials, which is a new approach.

- And the upper and sole? I hadn't noticed. If the design and comfort are good, and environmental protection is considered, that's three birds with one stone, isn't it?

Nomura:I think it is cool to choose things with this in mind. If something is forced upon you, you will want to rebel against it, won't you? However, it is good to have something that is gently attached to the object, without showing any intrusiveness.

- Exactly . I don't like it when people blatantly show that they are "doing it" by their appearance, but I welcome it when they say, "Actually...".

Nomura:. plastic bags made of eco-friendly materials are somewhat grayish. The sole of the "All Star Earl" is also made of an eco-friendly material, so the gray of the sole includes that perspective as well.

-What else has been renewed in the "All Star Earl"?

Tanaka:The outsole pattern has changed, hasn't it? Glad to see the retro design is back.

Nishizu:The rubber compound has been softened to improve slip resistance and flexibility. Also, the laces can be threaded through the slit in the shoe tongue, preventing the shoe tongue from slipping out of place.

Nomura:So this is not going to happen (laughs).

Tanaka:There's an "all-star" (laughs)

- I sometimes like to fix that (laughs).

Nishizu:Many sneakers have a slit for laces on the shoe tongue, but not one in the middle. The "All Star Earl" has a slit on both sides of the top.

Tanaka:That's why the shoetans don't shift.

Nishizu:The GORE-TEX fabric used in this collaboration does not have a slit, but it does have a gusset that prevents water from entering the shoe, so the shoe's tongue will not shift. And the gussets have also been improved. They used to be thick and stiff when worn, but we have made them thinner and made them stretchable.

Tanaka:. I can't wear high-cut "All Star" shoes when shooting in the studio because I have to take my shoes off and on a lot. But this collaboration model has a gusset on the shoe tongue, so the tongue doesn't fall down and it is easy to wear. I think they look cool even when worn roughly.

-Is GORE-TEX fabric special to "NANAMICA"?

Nomura:Yes. I see this as an opportunity for people to recognize NANAMICA.

. -Items made with Nanamica's GORE-TEX fabric are very popular, aren't they?

Nomura:Nanamica's GORE-TEX coat was the first outerwear in the world to combine cotton and is the brand's signature item.

- There is a strict inspection process to commercialize GORE-TEX fabrics, right?

Nomura:Finished wears are rain tested before mass production. If a garment does not pass Gore's waterproofing standards, it cannot be commercialized. . It's such a rigorous test that it makes me nervous. But this is what guarantees quality and trust.

- Like this collaboration model, I think it's great that it's GORE-TEX but made of cotton, so you can enjoy the aging process.

Nomura:Both have a cotton outer fabric , which allows them to age and taste. With proper care, the functionality of GORE-TEX can be maintained. . I would like this "All Star Earl" to be worn in and acclimated to my color as well.

Tanaka:. "All-Stars" are great because dirt tastes good. . The sole is gray, so it's easy to get the taste. . I thought that even though I only wore them a little for the visual shoot, they had developed a taste.

INFORMATION

ALL STAR Ⓡ nanamica GORE-TEX HI

On sale: Friday, March 17
Handling:
nanamica DAIKANYAMA
nanamica D.W.S.
nanamica KOBE
nanamica FUKUOKA
nanamica ONLINE STORE
White atelier BY CONVERSE
White atelier BY CONVERSE
CONVERSE ONLINE SHOP

nanamica DAIKANYAMA

Address: 26-13 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 - 20:00
Phone: 03-5728-6550
Instagram: @nanamica_daikanyama