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A stylist on sneaker do’s and don’ts

In celebration of the Converse One Star.

It seems fashion’s ’90s revival isn’t slowing down. Converse is getting in on the action and continuing the trend of throwback drops, with the release of the One Star

The iconic style was born in the ’70s and quickly became synonymous with skate culture. It wasn’t until the ’90s however, that it became a street style staple, embraced by fashion innovators, subcultures and athletes alike. Fast forward to 2017, and the One Star is having another major moment. 

The latest One Star instalment sees the ’90s silhouette delivered in the brand’s original black, red and navy colourways, as well as some pretty pastel additions. Bringing the staple firmly into the 21st century is the addition of an Ortholite sock liner for added comfort, a plush suede outer and a rubber sole for maximum grip. 

To celebrate the re-release, we grabbed a few of our favourite colourways and chatted to stylist Carlos Mangubat about sneaker do’s and don’ts, how to keep your kicks pristine and styling the One Star with tailored wardrobe pieces. 

First up, when buying a new pair of sneakers, what should we consider? 

If you’re planning to wear a shoe often, it should be comfortable the moment you start wearing it. You shouldn’t have to wear a sneaker in. I alway look for a comfy insole and padding. 

Do you have any tips for styling the One Star to work with your existing wardrobe? 

I’d recommend taking style cues from ’90s movies like Larry Clark’s Kids. Keep it simple, and don’t try too hard to make it ‘work’. It’s also always fun to mix up your look with sneakers and make unusual pairings – like combining sneakers with tailoring. 

So it’s OK to wear sneakers with suiting or tailored pieces? 

Suiting and sneakers has always been a thing, but this season it really seems to be making an impact. A lot of high-end designers are pairing sneakers with tailoring, especially in the menswear collections for SS18. Just make sure your pant length is altered to the length of your leg or shorter, or you’ll risk looking like a daggy commuter. I personally prefer a 7/8 cropped pant with a sneaker. 

Socks or no socks with sneakers? 

Both! But an invisible sock is better than no socks. I prefer to style sneakers with a nice plain black or white sock. 

When wearing statement colour sneakers, what should we keep in mind? 

Keep it simple. Make the shoes the feature of the outfit and wear basic colours to highlight them. 

What’s the best way to avoid looking too casual when wearing sneakers? 

To dress up your look, choose a style that’s a plain colour or has an interesting texture (but isn’t too ashy). Suede styles are perfect for this! 

Suede shoes are notoriously hard to keep clean. Any tips? 

Always Scotchgard or waterproof your shoes before wearing them. I know it’s tempting to pop them straight on, but it’s essential if you want to ensure the longevity of the sneaker and keep them looking fresh for longer. Eucalyptus oil is great for cleaning the white/rubber parts of the sole – just rub it on with a cloth or cotton makeup pad. And if they get wet, stuff with newspaper and let them dry out in a warm room. This will help them retain their shape.

The One Star is available from Converse stores, online and select retailers from $130.

converse.com.au

Image from FJ Shoot: Forever Young

Photographer: Sam Wong
Stylist: Carlos Mangubat 
Hair and makeup: Karen Burton 
Models: Konker at Scene Models and Bella at Chadwick Models

This feature was originally published in Fashion Journal 170. You can read it here.

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