The American shoe company that started in the early 20th century is still going strong—it’s a part of the youth culture. And miles away, from the West to the East, in Nepal, fashion fanatics as well as those who denounce style share a commonality—Converse’s Chuck Taylor All-Star. [break]
Be it old, new, rugged or torn, dirty or clean, there is always a style statement attached with a pair of Chucks.
Tsering Gyaletsen Sherpa has been sporting the shoes since he was 11. The 19-year-old has fallen in love with Converse after he bought his first pair of Chucks in Bangalore, India.
“It was a full length, brown Chucks,” he smiles and described his adoration for the brand after he noticed an advertisement of the brand with some basketball players. The fascination flourished after he visited the website for the company where he saw more designs and styles.
However, Sherpa, a student of animation, doesn’t buy it just to look cool or stylish.
Sahayata Sharma agreed. The 20-year-old student owns 16 pairs of Converse and says she likes the “comfort factor” of the shoes.
But the style-factor that comes with the shoes cannot be overlooked.
“It also has a style value,” Sherpa said. He pointed at rock stars, rap artists and sports players who have created a style statement through the brand.
And due to its immense popularity, replicas of Chucks scatter in Kathmandu’s street market.
But Nirmala Shrestha, who has been working at the Converse store in Kathmandu Mall for four years, said people who are loyal to the brand visit the authorized retailers. She also stated that many people are confused about the brand. Pointing out the variances of Converse—All Star, Pro Star, Jack Purcell and One Star—she describes the differences in design.
Shrestha, who was working for one of the oldest Converse stores in town at Ranjana Galli prior to her move, said Converse and especially Chucks relates well with the youth.
“About 60 to 70 percent of customers are teenagers,” she shared adding that the trend in the Converse culture has always remained the same. And the pulling factors that attract youngsters include new innovations, designs, styles and colors.
“I focus more on style and prefer new looks,” Sherpa said.
He talked about his current Converse collection and said he buys four to five pairs a year. Sharma, who possesses different colors and styles, also said every time a new design or color grasps her attention, she stops to buy a pair.
However, it’s not only about style and being a part of the “cool crowd,” said two Converse addicts. They say they’re loyal to the brand and more than that, it’s for their own ease—they don’t have to stress about picking the shoe to go with their clothes.
“It fits well with any clothes—shorts, jeans, khakis,” Sherpa said. “Whatever clothes I wear, my shoes will always be Converse.”
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