Anchored in emotional resonance, the collection draws from utilitarian and protective elements, merging them with soft, flowing fabrics that speak to the complexity of feminine strength. By refusing to confine itself within traditional gender expressions, SRVC champions a woman who is unapologetically both strong and vulnerable, urging her to embrace every facet of her identity. Preview the lookbook below.
We caught up with Martine during her party-turned-rave in the heart of Bushwick last Thursday to delve into inches, "stash" spots, and what lies ahead for her and Converse.
So how are you feeling with the collab out now?
Honestly… a little sweaty? [Laughs] No, I feel amazing. It’s super surreal.
I love. What’s your favorite detail?
There are so many elements to the shoe that keep it casual, but you can also dress it up if you want to. It’s a convertible wedge platform — day to night, high, low — that versatility and the ability to take it from one thing to another is something I wanted to bring over from the jewelry.
Is the heel also convertible?
You can’t take the heel off, but if you could, it would be like a little stash spot. [Laughs]
So true. How many inches?
Like four.
A little pick-me-up...
Tell me about the gaiter.
So a lot of welders have these snap-on elements to their uniforms, like gaiters that they put on over their shoes, which is what I wanted to bring into this design. For everything I'm doing with Converse I’m trying to bring in that reference so that even if there isn’t metal, there is still this sensibility that goes back to metalwork.
What’s your favorite way to style them?
I really like them with the gaiters; if it were warmer out, I would be wearing them like that, but now, since it’s colder, I’m just wearing them with baggy pants so that’s also a moment.
Did you learn anything about yourself during the process of transitioning from jewelry to a new medium?
Yes, I learned that the happy accident is a real thing especially when working with a new medium in a completely new space and context. You have to try things to figure out what works and you can't plan that outcome. There were a couple of design elements that we had to just see how they were interpreted.
We love a happy accident, sometimes it’s how the best things are made.
That's exactly how I feel.
How long did you work on the style?
For about a year.
Was it hard to keep under wraps?
The amount of times I hit Converse and was like, How about we tease the design process? And they were like, No, it doesn’t work like that for us. It was so hard to not wear the shoes out.
I could imagine. How many prototypes did you go through before feeling good about it?
Not many, to be honest, I think two. We wanted the material of the gaiter to be a functional, technical piece so figuring out its durability did lead to a lot of sampling.
When are the girls getting another shoe?
Yes, we're working on more shoes for next season, which I'm super excited about as there will be more metalwork and hardware. I love working with shoes, so hopefully there will be more and more.
The Martine Ali Chuck 70 De Luxe Wedge is now available for purchase at converse.com
[Originally published in office magazine Issue 20, Fall-Winter 2023. Order your copy here]
What is your ideal office?
My Ideal office is a big open loft space surrounded by great art, iconic furniture, books and an amazing sound system.
What is the most powerful tool?
The Mind is the most powerful tool. You can accomplish anything you desire if you remain determined and disciplined.
Describe what ‘style’ is in three words.
Timeless, interesting, elegant.
How did you come to understand your personal style?
My personal style all comes from my parents. My Mom and Dad were always stylish. My mom used to make dresses and always took pride in her appearance. My Dad was extremely meticulous so I inherited that from him. They definitely informed my aesthetic.
What is the first thing you want people to notice about you?
Well I feel like it's usually three things: my scent, my wardrobe, my glasses.
What has been your greatest achievement thus far?
Becoming a Dad to my beautiful daughter. She has taught me so much. Everything I do is for her!
How do you envision the future of fashion?
The future of fashion is all about inclusivity and diversity. I would like to see more people of color in important roles all throughout the fashion system; CEOs, designers, manufacturers, commercial teams and retailers.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
I wanted to be an architect but instead I focused on interior design. I enjoyed creating spaces that made an impact in people's lives.
If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
To make my 24 hours count I would probably choose to be the president of the USA, with the caveat that Congress would have to pass all my policies and implement them immediately. I would invest in minority communities, give everyone access to healthier food and healthcare. Damn now I sound like a politician … but the difference is I would actually be for the people.
Where in the city do you go to find peace?
Besides home, I always enjoy a Shibui Spa moment and I wouldn't mind complementary treatments for the mention.
What song would play during the opening credits of the Marcus Paul Biopic?
J Dilla: “Nothing Like This” … My dedication.
The latest Women's Collection introduces a Capsule Collection featuring the Manhattan and Malibu lines.
Manhattan: Inspired by the seamless integration of private life and work emblematic of the New York lifestyle, the Manhattan line introduces three models—La Cartella, La Busta, and La Borsa. Each model, characterized by essential lines and made from high-quality vegetable-tanned leather, is designed to be a new archetype in functionality, offering a perfect blend of form and function.
Malibu: Contrasting the structured elegance of Manhattan, the Malibu bag captures the free and relaxed spirit of the legendary West Coast. Handmade with a hint of hippie style, Malibu is a light and distinctive companion for those who embrace a carefree lifestyle.
In essence, Il Bisonte continues to carve its niche in the luxury market, not just as a brand, but as a symbol of traditional craftsmanship and environmental consciousness. Each piece tells a story, made in Italy.
