CONVERSE Soho Shoe Store Display Largest Of Its Kind

CONVERSE will open their Soho, New York store on November 26th, a perfect time for Black Friday; you know the place will be packed. Plus, this store caught my eye because it will feature the largest shoe display of its kind: An American flag MADE ENTIRELY FROM CHUCK TAYLOR SHOES.

Here's the press release below:

The shop will carry the largest Converse footwear offering worldwide, which by itself is already pretty impressive. The shoe wall, leather area and apparel area is also looking good. Most interesting is for sure the customization section, where you will be able to give Converse sneakers your own personal touch.

“The store’s design features speak directly to Converse’s distinct sport and rock ‘n roll heritage. Converse worked with New York based architecture firm Jennifer Carpenter Architect to preserve as much of the original details of the 110 year old building as possible. The single floor retail space is approximately 7,000 square feet using several reclaimed and natural elements to create a vintage inspired feel. From old gymnasium bleachers and recycled wood flooring to re-used Brooklyn factory parts and iconic New York City imagery, all in-store elements blend to create authentic design details. Tying back to the brand’s 102 year old American heritage, a 13-foot by 35-foot American flag made from 648 pairs of red, white and blue Chuck Taylor All Star shoes will welcome visitors and can be seen through the storefront window.
Taking center stage of the space and the first of its kind is a 40-foot wall featuring an expansive Chuck Taylor All Star footwear collection. White tiled walls throughout the space pay homage to the New York City subway, creating a unique backdrop for the new denim collection, which features 24 styles for women and men.”

NICE HUH?

Think of that shoe display... The CONVERSE Wonder Of The World ... Or could anybody break this record?

Uhhh... $600 Converses??? Oook.

Highsnobiety

Yeah, you sure saw it right, guys. $600 USD Converses. But hey... these aren't your average Chuck Taylors that you rock over at your BFF's house. These are proper-named SAK FOR CONVERSE STAR TECH HIGH TOP SNEAKERS.

For you sneakerheads in Detroit, I'm sure these may be available at a boutique near you, but for right now it's only going to be exclusively at John Varvatos in New York, Aloha Rags, Concepts and Blends. I don't even know the latter two stores. Yup, I still gotta know all the stores and labels. So many stores and lables, so little time.

Still wondering why it's $600? Well just read the press release below:

Hiruma’s story is unique. Born in Japan, he has been pursuing age-old Italian craftsmanship in Florence, Italy for nearly a decade. Choosing to immerse himself in the historical home where Renaissance and industrial design have converged for centuries, Hiruma’s unique and modern sensibility blends with his unmistakable skill and artistry.

Creating coveted versions of Converse’s most recognizable styles, Hiruma has carefully replicated the silhouette of the Chuck Taylor All Star, Jack Purcell, One Star –and now the Star Tech shoe. A basketball shoe from decades past, Hiruma artfully crafts the details of the Star Tech shoe using old-world construction techniques. Each individual shoe features beautiful, supple leathers –all hand-stitched from upper and rand to insole. Hiruma gives each shoe leather soles that echo finely made dress shoes, yet with ink-printed logos and trademark detail that give them a playful, comfortable feeling. The sak for Converse Star Tech shoe comes in natural shades of tan and black leather with hand cut logos and detailing for the shoes uppers. The attention to detail includes elegant hand-stitched leather rands and toe bumpers and charming touches such as a hand-cut star cut out gracing the ends of each shoe’s leather laces.

As a part of Converse First String, Converse’s high-level product program that celebrates craftsmanship, authenticity and pure expression, these are truly works of art, with only 64 pairs in each style available worldwide.

What y'all think? Would you cop these, or still rock out some Chuck Taylors...in leather? Man, imagine how many Chuck Taylors in all different colorways you can get for $600...