photos by Clarel

If you’ve never been to Montreal, might we suggest adding Old Montreal to your list of must-see spots on the itinerary. Having visited the cobble-stoned streets adjacent to the Old Port gives you a glimpse of the history and depth of the beautiful city part of the Brag crew calls home. Given this information you would tend to understand the enthusiasm felt from receiving an invitation to preview Converse’s Spring 2016 collection at their new Canadian headquarters situated in the heart of Old Montreal, on one of the areas most recognized streets, Saint- Paul.

Behind secured doors, we were greeted by Converse’s forward team and then ushered into the main viewing space, expectedly decked out in a rich meld of hardwood, stone and dark metal. Three display panels lined up on the left side of the room drew your attention and funneled your focus to the side and centerpiece exhibits where the next designs of the Chuck Taylor II All Star held court in a celebration of classic style and contemporary innovation. You see, the all-recognizable silhouette and familiar All Star patch were now complimented with lush, matte materials and the ever-stimulating lunarlon insole. It is a proverbial hit-the-nail-on-the-head measure of the perfect amount of modernization and staying true and classic.

In between of being presented with plate after plate of delectables and beverages, the Converse family provided insight on the designs and direction of the company. The tie-dye lineup provided that punch that sparked curiosity, the Crochet collection echoed the willingness of Converse to roll with the trend and tides, and the John Varvatos arrangement recalled the brands place in fashion and moda. A resounding success for the Spring 2016 preview, much reflected with the current injection of buzz Converse has been generating with the invigoration of the Chuck Taylor II iterations. Stay ready to add some lavish footwear standards to your rotation, a re-visitation of an all-time banger is in order for the current season.