An All-Star Look Ahead: Converse by John Varvatos Previews Their SS09 Collection

There are few things as versatile and classic as a Converse shoe. We've seen everyone from LES hipsters to UES mothers rockin' a pair. We were lucky enough to sneak a peek of Converse's SS09 offerings and there was lots to talk about. Sneakers ranged from the standard Chucks to artist collaborations to reissues of special-edition basketball shoes. That's all well and good, but it was what John Varvatos had done with the mens and womenswear that held our attention. Varvatos has been collaborating with Converse for some time now and we think this season is particularly spot on. For men, it's a look back to the Seattle grunge scene of the '90's. Lots of stripes and plaids in loose comfortable fits, slouchy pants with hanging suspenders, great lightweight jackets and cardigans and scrunched thermals peeking out from beneath shorts. Womenswear walked a fine line between girly and rocker. Loose, rolled boyfriend pants paired with flowing, frilled tops, long waistcoats, and rumpled leather jackets. Each piece looked so comfortable, we wanted to dive right in. Keep thinking above the ankle, Johnny.