Converse And Ace Hotel Reunite With New Pro Leather High For Holiday 2013

Minimal sneaker design reflects the dark winter season in London.

Today, Converse Inc. introduces the Ace Hotel for Converse CONS Pro Leather High Sneaker for Holiday 2013, marking the brand’s fourth collaboration with the inspirational lifestyle group just in time to commemorate their latest hotel opening.

The collection features a true high top in premium leather with the versatile silhouette of a boot – a perfect transitional sneaker as the winter season approaches. Muted colours recall overcast nights in East London’s Shoreditch, the newest Ace Hotel location and the brand’s first outside North America. The dark, moody palette combines with the Pro Leather’s athletic heritage for a completely original look. The added height of the ankle honours the legend of Julius “Dr. J” Erving; taking cues from the original sneaker he made history in to create a premium version that is ready for today’s streets. Clean lines, simple colour blocking and a stitched Star Chevron logo put this sneaker at the forefront of modern footwear design.

“We are really pleased to work with Ace on another premium Pro Leather sneaker,” said Matt Sleep, Senior Designer Converse First String. “We wanted to build on the momentum of the last release, and think this carefully crafted design perfectly compliments their amazing new London location.”

The Ace Hotel for Converse CONS Pro Leather High is the perfect cold-weather companion to the perforated spring release. The sneaker features a combination of sheep leather and premium nubuck on its uppers, with soft cowhide leather on the lining and a subtle repeat of the memorable ‘A’ laser cut detail.

To celebrate the launch Ace Hotel and Converse will also hold a 3-day contemporary knit workshop in the London hotel’s pop-up store from Wednesday 13th November, inviting people to stop by between 10am and 6pm to design a beautifully crafted pair of socks to compliment their new Pro Leather sneakers. A knitting team led by Julia Billback and Magdalena Gustafsson will then produce the seasonal gifts on site using the finest merino wool yarns, as well as creating some original and playful installations that help take the story to the street.

Converse First String is a limited-edition collection that celebrates craftsmanship, authenticity and collaboration at the highest level. The Ace Hotel for Converse Pro Leather High Sneaker will be available in limited quantities, beginning on Friday 15th November exclusively at Ace Hotel locations in North America, Ace Hotel London and select Converse First String retailers in Europe and Asia. The sneakers will retail for a MSRP of $120 and will be available in men’s sizing from US 8-12.

ABOUT CONVERSE
Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including men’s, women’s and children’s footwear, apparel and accessories. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 79 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, please visit Converse on the web at media.converse.com.

ABOUT ACE HOTEL
Ace Hotel reinvents hospitality to make something fresh, energized and human. We embrace and reimagine classic buildings and interesting opportunities, creating a sense of history and place that pairs the pragmatic with the romantic. Our hotels are inspired by an affinity for the soulful and fuelled by localized and handmade culture. For more information please go to acehotel.com.