Today, the clothes-curious kids at Gawker sent us a challenge: Explain White Converse, and their bizarre blitz across the city.
This is the part where we confess that right now, our closet only has Vans. Plus, this is a big issue – Chuck Taylors are a New York icon, like black-and-white cookies, MetroCards, and Mary Kate’s sunglasses. For such an accessory, we need some help from the ultimate Converse experts – Teen Vogue and Nylon:
Gloria Baume, Teen Vogue Fashion Director: “To me, there is nothing quite as chic as the stark neatness of a White Converse. It’s that slightly nerdy Chicness that makes it so irresistible. Add a little black ankle sock, a pencil skirt and a simple Hanes Men’s neat white T-shirt and it’s very Luella Bartley. Wear it with a tailored black skinny suit and it’s very Jil Sander. Add to all that style the amazing comfort factor …how can you go wrong?
At Teen Vogue we have styled them with skinny jeans, school uniforms, volume skirts, even prom dresses. They run the whole gamut.”
Jane Keltner, Teen Vogue Fashion News Director: “White Converse are a classic—they’ll never go out of style. White is great because it’s like a blank slate. You can pair it with anything and create your own mood. Plus, it looks even better when it’s worn and aged.”
Joe Berean, Nylon Fashion Editor: “I just did a page of ’80s inspired clothing, and the White Converse are in the middle. They look amazing with skinny jeans – somehow, your legs get even longer. Also, it’s freezing cold. Last week it was 60 degrees. People are confused – White Converse are for people who can’t deal with Winter.”
Fashionista.com adds: Also: White Converse are obviously the best kind, because you can draw all over them when you’re bored!