Custom Kicks Feature Pop Culture Anti-Heroes from Breaking Bad, Walking Dead, Parks & Recreation, Dexter & Shameless.

The Avenue in California's Venice Beach uses cutting edge technology to allow anyone to custom design a pair of kicks. They have created custom Chucks for many a celebrity and sell several uniquely designed pairs that celebrate pop culture.

My personal favorites are a series of nicely illustrated Converse Chuck Taylors and Vans Slip Ons by Jon Defreest that feature TV's favorite Anti-Heroes; Walter White (Bill Cranston) and Jessie Pinkman (Aaron Paul) from Breaking Bad, Zombie Hunter Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) from Walking Dead, Shameless' Deadbeat drunken dad Frank Gallagher (Bill Macy), everyone's favorite Serial Killer, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) and lovable mustachioed Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) from Parks and Recreation.

Walter White (Bill Cranston) from Breaking Bad:

Jessie Pinkman (Aaron Paul) from Breaking Bad:

Breaking Bad's boys are also available on a pair of vans Slip-ons:

Zombie Hunter Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) from Walking Dead:

Serial Killer Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall):

Shameless' Deadbeat Drunk of a Dad, Frank Gallagher (Bill Macy):

Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) from Parks and Recreation:


Each pair cost $85 USD (they ship worldwide) and please note that because these shoes are made custom per order, there are NO returns or exchanges on any orders



About:
Nestled at the heart of Venice Beach, California, The Ave, using cutting edge print technology, gives everyone the opportunity to custom design a pair of the legendary footwear that defined a generations culture, the best selling shoes in America, Converse Chuck Taylors and Vans Slip Ons, in addition to a wide variety of garments.

Shop for these and more (or design your own!) at The Ave Venice.

New Converse Holiday Collection For Men and Women Steps It Up With Twill, Waxed Leather, Suede, Shearling, Wool and Sequins.

CONVERSE has debuted its new Holiday 2012 All Star Footwear Collections. New Jack Purcells and Chuck Taylors for both men and women (and kids) will be gracing the shelves this month with materials and designs that are a bit more sophisticated, preppy and modern. And they are offering free ground shipping through the holidays!





Embracing the upcoming season with winterized elements, Converse highlights its heritage with new materials such as speckled wool, sequined wool, herringbone, waxed suede, twill, soft suede boots lined with shearling, tough leather with stitching and more. They also have several new selections for children. I've chosen a few of my personal favorites to share with you. Please note that all of the styles below are available in multiple colors.

Jack Purcell Wool:

The Converse Jack Purcell Wool collection’s sophisticated, seasonal, and contemporary style is made specifically for the holidays. The collection features a premium washed wool outer and low-profile silhouette. In a reference to the sportswear lifestyle heritage, the Jack Purcell Wool collection perfectly combines a modern touch with classic appeal that can be worn with or without laces. Suggested Retail Price: $75


Chuck Taylor All Star Twill:

The iconic Chuck Taylor All Star is dressed in its very best for the holiday season. The women’s only Chuck Taylor All Star Twill features a speckled twill material and satin lining. Suggested Retail Price $55

Chuck Taylor All Star Herringbone:

The Chuck Taylor All Star Herringbone offers a preppy, uptown spin on the classic style. Available for both me and women, the updated style consists of wool blend herringbone and twill perfect for the complete winterized look. Suggested Retail Price $55-$60

Chuck Taylor All Star Speckled:

The Chuck Taylor All Star Speckled brings a younger outdoor rugged look to the classic silhouette featuring a twotone speckled wool material, Converse heel patch, and pop of color rubber lining. Suggest Retail Price $55-$60

Chuck Taylor All Star Beverly Lace Up:

Updated for Holiday 2012, the new Chuck Taylor All Star Beverly Lace Up boot brings a fun, youthful spin on the classic winter boot. Details such as the shearling lining, thick laces and larger eyelets exudes Converse’s winterized theme. Suggested Retail Price $70-$75

Chuck Taylor All Star Elsie:

This women’s Holiday 2012 Chuck Taylor All Star Elsie features an updated sawtooth rubber outsole and tweed upper suede overlay, adding a feminine aesthetic to the classic workwear boot that is perfect for the winter season. Suggested Retail Price $70-$75

Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Boot:

The Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Boot returns with a unique sawtooth outsole, rubber heel patch and boot laces providing a pop of color. Updated for Holiday 2012, the Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Boot will be a go-to shoe with a modern-day twist perfect for the holiday season. Suggested Retail Price $80

Chuck Taylor All Star Glitz:


The Chuck Taylor All Star Glitz collection arrives just in time for the Holiday season, providing understated glamour with just the right amount of flash. Featuring a sequined wool upper, leather binding on the toe cap and a satin finish lining, these sequin-covered sneaker deliver a muted shine with the perfect touch of sparkle. Suggested Retail Price: $100

Chuck Taylor All Star Post:

The Chuck Taylor All Star Post recondition the classic 1970’s trainer with sleek, premium silhouettes and updated heather wool uppers, waxed suede and natural leather; perfect for rugged weather this Holiday season. Suggested Retail Price: $125

The new Holiday 2012 Chuck Taylor All Star Collection and Jack Purcell Premium styles will be available online at Converse and in select department stores and retailers beginning November 2012.

Free ground shipping through the holidays at Converse.com

Superhero Sneaks! Converse Introduces DC Comics Kicks; Batman, Flash & Superman.

Converse has teamed up with DC Comics for a collection of special hi and low Chuck Taylors for Men. The collection consists of 6 different pairs of kicks; three Batman, one Flash and one Superman.

Marimekko X Converse - 13 Styles And Many Are On Sale!

Original Marimekko patterns from the 1960s created by the well-known Finnish textile mill are applied to some Converse favorites in this special collection. The signature prints are paired with such classic Converse styles as Jack Purcells and All Star Hi and low tops.



Right now, about half the Marimekko Converse kicks are on sale. Here's a look at the 13 shoes in the collection:













Each pair of the 13 different styles comes with a matching cinch bag made in the Marimekko pattern, like those shown below:




Just Reduced Merchandise at Converse + Free Shipping on orders of $75 or more


click on the above logo to start shopping.

Converse Launches New Campaign With "Dr. J" Commercial By Antoine Fuqua.

This is one of those posts inspired by actual events. A few nights ago I was watching tv --Family Guy, if you must know-- and this commercial came on. I paused the dvr (oh, the wonders of technology) and rewound it to watch it again and again. As an advertising creative for over 20 years, I can assure you this happens very rarely. Turns out, the spot is the part of new marketing effort conceived of and executed by Anomaly for Converse.

Basketball legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Carlos Arroyo of the Miami Heat; musicians Jim Jones and Doug E Fresh, legendary ball-handler and God Shammgod, Harlem streetball player Adrian "A-Butta" Walton, Kenny Anderson, Converse skaters, Sammy Baca, Eli Reed, Rune Glifberg and more 'Join The Procession' in Brooklyn for this new :60 commercial for Converse, shot by the director of "Training Day."




The white-haired guy under the hood is basketball great Dr. J., looking better than he did in his heyday. Don't roll your eyes... I had to explain that, given that most people under 30 have no idea who he is (including my 19 year old dog walker and her friends).



The spot, directed by Antoine Fuqua from Pittsburgh, has stunningly composed shots, editing, music ("Hello Operator" by the White Stripes) and color transfer. Each frame in the spot is composed and lit like a miniature piece of art.



Coincidentally, director Antoine Fuqua landed a college scholarship to play basketball, but the power of cinema drove him to a successful career as a film director. He is best known for the award-winning film Training Day.

Behind the Scenes

 

In this behind the scenes video, Director Antoine Fuqua talks about the concept behind the commercial, while participants like Jim Jones, Carlos Arroyo, Doug E Fresh, and Luam Keflezgy talk about the passion around the culture. And the struggle. And the sunshine:

 

a 15: cut about Dr. J, the blueprint:

“[Basketball]…it’s like a ritual. The basketball being the thing that brings everybody [together]. The rhythm and the beat,” says director Antoine Fuqua. “Converse is taking it to the streets. The streets are the heart beat.”




On their blog, Converse asks you to "Join the Procession" and in addition to the ad, each of the stars are featured in a series of online vignettes taken from outtakes that illuminate their mutual admiration for each other and that blur the lines of sport, music and lifestyle. The resulting short clips showcase new cultural, iconoclastic moments including Kenny Anderson teaching Dr. J a kickflip, and God Shammgod showing Sammy Baca how to do the “Shammgod”, his signature crossover move. Check them out here.  

Full Credits

Agency: Anomaly Client: Converse Executive Creative Director/Partner: Mike Byrne Creative Director: Ian Toombs Head of Production: Andrew Loevenguth Account Person: Stanley Lumax Production Company: Anonymous Content Director: Antoine Fuqua Director of Photography: Harris Savides Executive Producer: Dave Morrison Producer: John Bennet Editorial: Beast Editor: Lucas Eskin Executive Producer: Elizabeth Krajewski Producer: Elizabeth Krajewski Editorial Assistant: Jai Shukla Post: Company 3 Telecine: Tim Masick Flame Artist: Tom McCollough Executive Producer: Angela Lupo Mix: Audio Engine Mixer: Tommy Goldblatt Music: “Hello Operator” by The White Stripes Music Clearance: Sara Matarazzo Information and images courtesy of Converse. Some text portions in this post were directly taken from the press release.