PHOTOGRAPHY Saskia Kovandzich
MUA Callie Foulsham
In recent years, many outlets have reported that personal style is on the decline, blaming the relentless new collection releases dropping at ever-increasing speeds – paired with the proliferation of social media outfit posts, and the pressure this adds to compete with engagement-driven algorithms – for the homogenous appearance of Gen-Z fashion lovers.
Besides an enduring fascination with the not-so-long-ago ’90s, the democratisation of outfit sharing online has led to an abundance of fashionable fits, and as such, new sartorial leaders have emerged from a diverse range of backgrounds. Far from the overcrowded fashion week FROWs and ‘in the wild’ content shooting stereotypes, these new style stars remind us that outfit inspiration should come from a variety of sources as, the more aesthetics that are celebrated, the freer we all are to express ourselves in whatever form we wish.
Counteracting the turbulent landscape of fashion micro trends and elitist industry approaches, at BRICKS we believe that true personal style flourishes when our personalities are freely expressed through our choices, whether that’s which colour we feel best reflects our mood or brands that we feel align with our values.
Similarly, Converse’s longstanding commitment to enabling inclusive forms of individuality remains at the forefront of its ethos, fostering diverse displays of personal taste and championing the next generation of creative talent from around the world.
The Chuck Taylor style has been at the forefront of fashion, comfort, and accessibility for over 100 years. For 2024, Converse is stepping its game up, collaborating with cultural shapers like Martine Ali and unveiling three new groundbreaking women’s silhouettes while celebrating the enduring appeal of existing favourites.
Providing effortless everyday appeal while still turning heads, Converse continues to push the boundaries of self-expression with the new Chuck 70 De Luxe Wedge, the Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared Toe and the CT70 De Luxe Heel. Building upon years of experimentation, Converse merges its iconic DNA with contemporary flair. The extravagant and surprisingly comfy new shapes epitomise the brand’s dedication to reimagining the classics and redefining seasonless style.
Below, BRICKS team members Baillie, Chiara, Rachelle and Yasmin capture the essence of the new releases, offering taste-maker insights into styling tips and thrifting recommendations.
Baillie, Junior Social Editor
How do you build personal style?
I build my personal style by combining elements of all things that inspire me from costume design in film, paintings, music, old runways and also a lot of looks I see in the streets! Especially being in London I’m always inspired. I like to have an eclectic mix of everything I love.
Do you thrift and where?
My wardrobe is probably 90% secondhand, thrifting is my favourite thing because of the excitement it brings when you find something special! My favourite places to thrift are Cambridge and Newmarket but I also just discovered the vintage in Copenhagen and loved it.
What is your favourite De Luxe Converse silhouette?
My personal favourite are the square toe because they bring a new edge and interesting shape to the shoe and the slight platform makes me feel taller which I love, also super comfy.
What are new forms of self-expression you’ve adopted?
I’ve found gradually that I express myself best when I find the balance of being comfortable as well as feeling fun and cool within my clothes, this was a gradual process as I got older and really developed my own personal style. I like taking inspiration from trends but not relying on them!
Chiara, Managing Editor
How do you build personal style?
I build my looks by combining fun, good-quality basics with statement pieces, often by emerging designers and innovative brands. I’m particularly into form-fitting pieces such as corsets and lacy, lingerie-inspired items, paired with punkier textures like leather and metallic jewellery. I get inspiration from archive collections by Italian designers and a combination of music videos, films, and a range of London fashion content creators.
Do you thrift and where?
I gave up buying anything from fast fashion retailers two years ago, and I now buy almost exclusively second-hand clothing. My best finds are from my favourite stall in the Camden Passage Market in Angel: it’s run by lovely Willow who personally sources vintage archive designer pieces from heritage brands and sells them at a reasonable price.
What is your favourite De Luxe Converse silhouette?
I love the wedge, I think it’s an elongating and flattering fit, while also maintaining a level of comfort and being easily styled for different occasions.
What are new forms of self-expression you’ve adopted?
I’ve always been quite traditional when styling my outfits, but recently I’ve been experimenting with new ways of layering and bolder combinations of prints. Outside fashion, mood-focused playlist and new recipes.
Rachelle, Contributing Producer
How do you build personal style?
I build my personal style around finding clothes that not only bring me joy, but make me feel comfortable and confident. For me, fashion is a tool I use to access different moods and energies. Romanticising the mundane is how I operate my daily life, and my clothes tend to reflect that. I usually dress for how I want to feel.
Do you thrift and where?
I exclusively thrift my clothes (except for the occasional gifted item from sustainable designers which I am beyond grateful for.) Vinted has really been a game changer for me – I’m totally compulsively and utterly obsessed. Sustainability AND gorgeous bargains? Unreal. Beyond Retro, eBay, and charity shop superstores also have my heart.
What is your favourite De Luxe Converse silhouette?
The Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared are my FAVES. They are so dynamic and visually interesting. I love the different textures of fabric and the iconic Square toe. They have the ability to make any outfit interesting and as a short king who hates heels, the platform gives me that extra added oomph and comfort I’m looking for.
What are new forms of self-expression you’ve adopted?
Colour-matching stim toys to your outfits, up-cycling workshops with the girlies, wearing things because they bring you joy and not saving items for “special occasions” – every day is a special occasion if you’re delusional enough.
Yasmin, Junior Fashion Stylist
How do you build personal style?
I always focus on wearing shapes and silhouettes that I feel good and comfortable in, wearing pieces I love even if others may not like them.
Do you thrift and where?
I love shopping second-hand for unique pieces. My favourite finds are usually on Vinted.
What is your favourite De Luxe Converse silhouette?
The square toe is my favourite. I think it elevates and can add a more dressy feel to an outfit, especially peeping out a trouser leg.
What are new forms of self-expression you’ve adopted?
Getting into up-cycling, making clothes I already own more exciting by adding and altering things and creating new pieces out of old things to fit my style more.
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