Rebellious Gay Soles: Converse Marks 100 Years

Rebels, rebels.

Forget the preppy Jack Purcell, the misguided One Star, or that just plain hostile high-top, the Weapon. Where the Converse brand is concerned, the real action, athletic and otherwise, can always be found with the classic Chuck Taylor All-Star.

This year, in recognition of its company centennial, Converse plans to unveil a worldwide “Connectivity” campaign highlighting the rebellious optimism symbolized by the Chuck Taylor, which was actually first produced in 1917. The global advertising effort will transcend time and place to connect, in a way that sounds reminiscent of The Hours, iconic figures dead and alive that have worn the shoe named for the legendary basketball player.

Find out who’s getting Chucked after the jump!

In addition to James Dean, allegedly nicknamed the Human Ashtray for his submissive proclivities, the monochromatic “Connectvitity” campaign will feature deceased characters like gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and punk rocker Sid Vicious, integrated with living rebels like Joan Jett, M.I.A., Common, Green Day’s Billy Joe Armstrong, and Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

And yeah, yeah, yeah, we know. Nike bought Converse in 2003 and Chucks' quality of wear has declined since then, but could you just suspend your indie cynicism for the sake of Friday?

You know what they say about a girl's shoes ...

More interesting is the plan to incorporate regional icons like Ian Curtis in the UK, Jane Birkin in France, Cui Jian in China, and Nina Hagen in Germany. And country-specific icons will also be used. This must be very affirming news for Kevin Bacon.

What! No Kurt Cobain? The deceased frontman of Nirvana was responsible for a major increase in Chuck Taylor All-Star sales in the early to mid 90s.

Smells like an outrageous oversight.

Come as you are.