Hasta La Ideas

Exquisitely old-world, hand-crafted remakes of the Jack Purcell and One Star

In yet another display of exquisite craftsmanship, Ryusaku Hiruma of Sak releases his second lineup for Converse‘s premium label, First String. His old-world interpretations of the classic Jack Purcell and One Star 1974 speak to the enduring legacy of the brand and artistry of shoemaking. Mastering traditional Italian techniques, Hiruma has made Florence, Italy, his home for a decade.

The uppers—in timeless, natural shades of off-white and black—are hand-stitched down to the insole. Logos and finely perforated details are also rendered by hand. Like a fine dress shoe, the handsome soles are constructed of leather playfully printed with the details you’d find on a rubber sole, and the cut-out star on each lace (also leather) echoes the inimitable character of Converse.

Dropping this month, each model in the Sak for Converse collection is limited to 64 pairs, each in men’s sizes 7-11. The Jack Purcell comes in off-white with a tan toe cap and will sell at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City and Canvas in California. The One Star, in black, will sell at Concepts, Converse specialty stores in Massachusetts and Blends in California. Prices are $600-$700.

Photos by Josh Rubin