Converse ¡Mi Gente! Collection
Image: NIKE News
September 15th is Central American Independence Day and it also marks the beginning of Latin Heritage Month. As the daughter of Guatemalan parents, it is an important time for me and it serves as a reminder of the resilient and vibrant community I am a part of. This year, we have seen the sneaker community tip the iceberg when it comes to showcasing Latinx brands and culture. Now, that energy is continuing.
The Converse ¡Mi Gente! Collection features a series of Chuck Taylor All Star styles that aim to represent the diversity, duality and vibrancy of LatinX culture through prints inspired by Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. One style features an all-over jacquard butterfly print and applique on the tongue which honors the Mirabal sisters, nicknamed “Las Mariposas” (the butterflies), who became symbols of democratic and feminist resistance. A second All Star option sheds light on Mexican-American heritage with a deep blue leather ankle patch that is intricately cut out to resemble papel picado, a traditional Mexican paper folk art. The opposite side shows an Otomi-inspired print in the form of female-empowered gold hoops joined together. A third shoe takes cues from Puerto Rican culture with a canvas upper and ruffled-edge details on the top and Chuck patch that is inspired by the aesthetic of Bomba dancers. This same inspiration is seen in the two accompanying tops in the collection.
The Converse ¡Mi Gente! Collection also features custom prints created by LatinX artists as an invitation for you to do the same. An all-over ¡Mi Gente¡ print was created in partnership with a trio of LatinX women. The “Sueño” Print which was created by Latinx muralist Sentrock and illustrates a traveling adventurous character with a banner flying that reads “Mi Gente con Sueños,” My People with Dreams. and the “LA-Livin” Print which was created by LatinX Illustrator and Artivist Ruth Mora that shows a ChicanX femme figure with hoops and big hair, low rider cars, and pays homage to elote street vendors.
The Converse ¡Mi Gente! Collection serves as a call to action and unifies the core beliefs of family and identity with the LatinX community. The collection is available now via Converse.com or through our SHOP THE COLLECTION button below with prices ranging from $55 to $85 USD depending on silhouette. With the message of community at the forefront and sneakHER options under $100, we’ll definitely be filling up our e-carts!