Converse All Stars Go Upscale. Beautiful Leather Handmade Chucks.

The All-American Converse classic, Chuck Taylors (aka "Chucks") have been given an Italian makeover in stunning handcrafted leather.



With only 64 pairs available in each color (milk or black), the supple leather and suede versions of the classic shoe are entirely handmade by Italian trained designer Ryusaku Hiruma. “I wanted to bring together the history of Florence and Converse’s legacy,” designer Ryusaku Hiruma of Sak says of the collaboration. Hand cut adornments, hand stitched leather, perforated star logo and all leather soles are some of the elegant touches.

Of course, at $600.00 a pair, chances are you won't be shooting hoops in them.

Black:



Milk (ivory leather and sand suede laces and toecap):


Available for purchase at Opening Ceremony.

Dr. Romanelli X Levi's California Beach Capsule Collection

As part of their special Spring/Summer 2010 collection, Dr. Romanelli has worked with Levi’s on a bunch of cool special edition jeans, and tees and one pair of kicks named the “California Beach” Pack. Unfortunately, the jeans and tees are just for the Taiwan market.



The jeans are Levi's 503 and incorporate reversed denim into them.






The shoes:


For the shoes, Dr. Romanelli (aka Dr.X) chose the Chukka model in homage to the Californian surfers and the skaters of the 80s. The kicks sport two-colored laces, vintage jeans, rivets and all.






The shoes are already sold out at Colette, but you can still find them here.
There are also several pairs of the denim kicks on ebay - but they are asking upwards of $400 a pair.

Thanks to Jon Dragonette and Dr.X for the photos.


Previously, Dr. Romanelli had teamed up with Levi's and as well as CLOT, Inc. for a collection leather and denim jackets.

CLOT

Three Newly Released Krazy Kicks From Puma, Adidas and Lacoste

Kicks, sneakers, tennis shoes, athletic shoes, whatever you choose to call them, are becoming more like artist canvases than ever these days. These three new releases are good examples of the variation in styles, colors and materials that designers are using to create wearable but wild shoes.

Top: the limited edition Puma Mecha Shoe resembles a toy robot. Already sold out, they expect a second round soon.

Middle: The ADIDAS AZX ZX700Y is a result of a competition. This winning shoe features silhouettes of landmark architecture from across the globe against a pure white premium leather upper.

Bottom: the new Dot Fade Pack from Lacoste uses small dots of color to fade from one to another and comes in several variations, including a black and white one for those who prefer a bit of subtlety.

Wanna buy them? click on the shoes above for more information and where to purchase