Converse x Hudson’s Bay Collaboration

Converse have collaborated with Canada’s Hudson’s Bay Company to give their famous Jack Purcell trainer a fresh and colourful update. The shoe merges the worldly heritage of the iconic Hudson’s Bay multi-stripe blanket with the equally iconic Jack Purcell silhouette, in bright signature colours. The Jack Purcell silhouette is named after another Canadian, John Edward ‘Jack’ Purcell. Purcell was a world famous badminton player in the 1920s and 1930s who designed the canvas and rubber shoes to provide extra support on the court. In the 1970s Converse purchased the rights to the design and have been producing and selling it ever since – the shoe has become instantly identifiable by the signature ‘smiley’ across the toe. Hudson’s Bay Company was founded way back in 1670. It is North America’s longest continually operated company and one of the oldest in the world. The Hudson’s Bay Company point blanket has been a familiar staple in Canada and across the globe for over 200 years. Mirroring the manufacturing of the blanket, the wool used on the shoe is dyed before it is spun, then air and sun dried to brighten the colours. The result is a great casual shoe with a vintage feel and injection of colour due to the green, red, yellow and navy stripes. The shoe comes complete with threaded stitching and antique brass eyelets, and includes the Jack Purcell and Hudson’s Bay logos on the foot bed. Priced at £64.99, they are available from Selfridges now and selected Converse stores and retailers from September 13th.

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Converse x Hudson’s Bay Collaboration