Conversations
From the signature African mudcloth shoe to the design-your-own (RED) sneaker, Converse has allowed our (RED) community members to express themselves in their own way.
So when Converse presented the overwhelming and mind-blowingly cool idea of commissioning 100 of the world's most creative minds to each design a special sneaker, I thought, WOW—it will never happen. Last night I proceeded to eat crow, so to speak.
On display at M+B Gallery in West Hollywood were the first 50 original designs for the Converse 1HUND(RED) program, a collection of 100 sneakers from 100 artists, musicians and designers. Each shoe expresses the respective artist's unique commentary on HIV/AIDS and how it affects everyone. Converse provided a blank canvas and in return they got some of the coolest shoes ever produced. The majority of the designs will be on sale at boutique shoe stores around the country over the course of 2008, so check out your local retailer. You can always go to www.converse.com/#100Artists to check on new releases.
Those in the crowd who didn’t know the (RED) story or what (RED) does really took to the idea because we were speaking their language: creativity!
photos by: rich kim / www.blinkofaniproductions.com
People milled about, enjoying the beautiful weather and deciding on which sneaker was their personal favorite. The Converse team explained the origins of certain shoes to onlookers and (RED) co-founder/chairman Bobby Shriver chatted with those who wanted to know more about how (RED) works. Also in attendance was one of the 1(HUNDRED) artists, Darren Romanelli aka DRx. The LA-based fashion designer/artist presented his adhesive bandage concept shoe illustrating the idea of protection and "symbolizing hope for a cure."
Paul Sevigny set-up some "shoe-gazing" music during the night and Lupe Fiasco gave the intimate crowd a great MC set. All in all, a perfect way to kick off the campaign.
Now go design your own pair!
--Brad
Labels: (PRODUCT) RED, (RED), 1HUND(RED), Africa, AIDS, artist, Bobby Shriver, Chuck Taylor, Converse, designer, Global Fund, HIV, Lupe Fiasco, mudcloth, musician, One Star, Romanelli, shoes, sneakers
posted by (RED) at 5:03 PM
2 Comments:
Hey Brad,
Thanks so much for this update from the Converse event the other night. It looks like it was a GREAT time for all!
I must admit that I have personally been very pleased with Converse's various contributions to (RED). Although I could not afford the mudcloth shoes, last year I did buy a pair of personalized Converses and still receive great satisfaction from them.
This is another inspi(red) idea from Converse for (RED). I have already taken a look at the first four designer shoes at the Converse website and really love them.
I can tell you that before this 1hund(red) project is over, I will definitely own another pair of Converse shoes for (RED). ~
Take very good care of each other, dear hearts. Blessings are always around.
ALWAYS (RED) AT HEART, debbie :)
I would SO love to have a pair of those Converse shoe. Well congrats Converse for your 100th anniversary.
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