Converse Cons: Alexis Sablone’s One Star Pro
A crucial part of skateboarding is footwear. This has never been more evident than in Alexis Sablone’s new video with Converse, her debut model of the One Star Pro is followed through the streets of New York City by filmer Josh Stewart on 16mm film. Stewart toys with still frame imagery through introducing a combination of jazz inspired animations, designed by Sablone herself.
Alexis first burst onto the scene in 2002, following an appearance in P.J. Ladd's ‘Wonderful, Horrible, Life’. Although female skaters weren’t unprecedented at the time - Elissa Steamer had already made a name for herself by this point - it was still rare to see fifteen year old Sablone skating several large gaps in her minute long segment. The following years saw further endorsement and features from the likes of The Firm Skateboards, culminating in her first X Games appearance in 2009. She went on to win three times in the following six years, as well as earning several bronze and silver medals. Most recently she joint WKND in 2017 (designing this season's Fever Kingdom Collection) and Cons earlier this year.
After only five months with Converse, she has joint the limited line of women to have their own signature sneaker. Sablone has reimagined her favourite low-top silhouette; the Converse One Star Pro 'Alexis Sablone' Shoes host a pale-putty suede upper and a signature cut-out revealing an ochre star on the lateral panels. The tonal body is matched through an egret coloured midsole and laces. Final details consist of an Alexis stamp and a rubber patch at the heel. Functional updates include additional rubber on the toe vamp to increase grip while skating as well as a double-stitched, reinforced eye stays for further durability.
Being an icon of diversity in the sport herself, she has ensured that the shoes are made in unisex sizing: “I’m a female, and the shoe has my name on it, but I don’t think it should be limited to one gender. The sizing makes the statement that it’s for every skater.” she cited in a short interview with Nike.
In addition to skateboarding, Sablone has pursued an academic career in architecture, graduating from Barnard College in 2008. In 2016, she earned a master's degree in architecture from MIT - using her competition earnings to fund her education.
The Converse One Star Pro 'Alexis Sablone' Shoes release in time for Go Skateboarding Day, available on Friday 21st June, 00:00AM (BST).
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