Kicks: Dr. Romanelli 'Beetle Bailey' x Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars

"The Project trade show had a high profile curatorial touch this year from Dr Romanelli, who applied his love for classic Americana to the aesthetic of the show at a high creative level. Romanelli channeled the theme using Beetle Bailey, who has been a constant companion in American newspapers since 1950, when Mort Walker introduced the everyman soldier cartoon strip. In addition to a full collaborative jacket collection and a microsite devoted to the Beetle Bailey project, Romanelli recreated the fictional “Camp Swampy” in an installation at the show, which allowed the artistic direction to take on a tangible realness. But beyond the museum quality installation, Romanelli also produced a “Beetle Bailey” Chuck Taylor with Converse, a product which allows the inspiration to be visible long after the 3 day trade show is over.
A Romanelli shoe is a rare thing, and each time he applies his textile alchemy to a footwear project, the result is far beyond the norm. Romanelli has a deft touch at remixing vintage military materials, and that is the jump off point for this high top. The shoe also works in custom Converse Beetle Bailey branding, and the lining is printed with the series of comics Mort Walker created to commemorate the Romanelli and Beetle Bailey project. Check out the shoes after the jump, along with some shots of the installation for context."

 (Via: DrX)