Remix takes it to the streets with the evolution of the Chuck Family

If there’s one thing we know to be consistent, it’s that everything changes. But with change comes the opportunity for growth, adaptation, evolution.

To celebrate 100 years of the Chuck Taylor, Converse are showcasing the iconic silhouette that’s changed and evolved throughout the decades, to inform where the original basketball sneaker will be heading next.

From the early days with the original Chuck Taylor All Star, through to the throwback-style Chuck Taylor All Star ’70, to the sequel iteration in the form of the Chuck Taylor All Star II, and the modern-day evolution with the Chuck Taylor All Star Modern, the popularity of the Chuck Family’s popularity continues to rise. Worn by rebellious youths, celebrities, and everyone in between, each pair of Chuck Taylors reflect the wearer’s personal street style.  

Remix caught up with four prominent style influencers for an exclusive shoot featuring the evolution of the Chuck Family, to get their take on what Chuck Taylors mean to them, their own style evolution, and how they like to break the fashion rules.

Chuck Taylor All Star meets model and social media beauty, Cassidy Morris
She may have been in the biz for a while, but this fresh-faced beauty is far from old. After breaking onto the modelling scene at a young age, Cassidy Morris has grown to be one of the most recognisable models in the industry. An original in her own right, we chose Cass to rep the one that started it all – the Chuck Taylor All Star. Iconic and recognisable in its own right, the Chuck Taylor All Star inspired 100 years of iterations to refine and repackage the much-loved high-top silhouette. But you know what they say – you can’t beat the original. 

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The Converse Forever Chuck campaign is all about the evolution of an icon – the Chuck Taylor. How do you feel your own style has evolved over the last five years?
My sense of style has changed a huge amount over the past five years... I think I've just grown as a person. Finding things I like and dislike. I've moved overseas and have started admiring different fashion icons which has had a huge influence on my style. 

How would you describe your personal style?
Casual chic. I love old vintage pieces. Boyfriend tee's and denim are my current go-to's. 

What is it that you love about Chuck Taylors?
I love how versatile Chuck Taylors are. I can be wearing something super dressy and pop on some chucks and still make it work. 

What’s your favourite way to style your Chuck Taylor All Stars? 
I love to style my chucks with denim - either some overalls or cool shorts. 

What are the three style rules you always follow?
Never wear too many colours; opt for denim or leather; and be true to your style. 

What trend are you loving at the moment?
I'm loving over-sized jumpers paired with chic pants and heels. 

With so many incredible Fashion Weeks happening around the globe – from New York and London to Milan and Paris – we’re getting pretty excited about NZFW later in the year. Who are your favourite Kiwi designers?
Hands down it's Marc Moore (Stolen Girlfriends Club). I'm always so excited to watch his shows. Trelise Cooper is also one of my favourites. 


Chuck Taylor All Star ’70 meets model, photographer and stylist, Laura Snelling
Dividing her time in front of and behind the camera, model and photographer Laura Snelling is every bit the ultimate Kiwi cool girl. The tanned beauty met her match with the Chuck Taylor All Star ’70, the re-crafted throwback sneaker that fuses modern details with the original Chuck silhouette. A vintage lover herself, the addition of more cushioning and thicker rubber sole means Laura can keep comfortable and rock these at those long, full-day photoshoots. 

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The Converse Forever Chuck campaign is all about the evolution of an icon – the Chuck Taylor. How do you feel your own style has evolved over the last five years? 
I definitely went through a 1970’s hippy phase when I was growing up. So, one-off vintage finds were big in my wardrobe… and to be honest some of those gems are still in there!

Describe your personal style? 
It depends on the weather and how I’m feeling that day. I love comfy clothes, and I’m a big fan of a good shirt!

Why do you love your Chuck Taylor All Star ‘70’s?
I love how comfortable they are! Chuck Taylors are my wardrobe must-have and the style has been around for generations, yet never seems to really go out of fashion! In other words, they’re totally timeless.

What’s your favourite way to style your Chuck Taylors? 
In summer, I style my Chucks with a pair of denim shorts and a nice cotton shirt, or a pretty summer dress.

Your three style rules?
I’m not sure I follow style rules. I think if someone wants to wear something, they should just go ahead and do it! Be original! 

Favourite trend?
I’m loving the shirt and corset combo! 

With so many incredible Fashion Weeks happening around the globe – from New York and London to Milan and Paris – we’re getting pretty excited about NZFW later in the year. Who are your favourite Kiwi designers? 
Karen Walker, Harman Grubisa, Georgia Alice, Wynn Hamlyn, Taylor and Stolen Girlfriends. Always a fan of supporting local brands! 

Chuck Taylor All Star II meets model Yohanis Diaz Morgan
He’s known for a signature pout and larger-than-life locks, but Yohanis Diaz Morgan is much more than just a pretty face. When he’s not in the studio, you’ll find him hitting Auckland’s inner-city hot spots. Baby-faced and brooding, Yohanis is the next big thing in the modelling world. Which is exactly why we paired him with the next big thing in the world of Converse – the Chuck Taylor All Star II. Stepping up to the mark with the addition of Nike Lunarlon cushioning, the Chuck Taylor All Star II is the perfect shoe for Yohanis’ urban adventures.

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The Converse Forever Chuck campaign is all about the evolution of an icon – the Chuck Taylor. How do you feel your own style has evolved over the last five years? 
I was only a boy five years ago, so I'd say my style has expanded along with my knowledge of clothes and social groups over the years.

Describe your personal style? 
If I could choose one word, it would be comfortable.

Why do you love your Chuck Taylor All Star II’s?
The thing I love about Chuck Taylor's is that it's relatively hard to go wrong with them. They work in nearly any situation.

What’s your favourite way to style your Chuck Taylors? 
I rock my chucks with loose fitting cropped pants or jeans.

Your three style rules?
Don't sacrifice comfort for looks; take inspiration from elsewhere but don't try to be someone you’re not; don't mix and match patterns.

Favourite trend?
I try not to follow trends! 

With so many incredible Fashion Weeks happening around the globe – from New York and London to Milan and Paris – we’re getting pretty excited about NZFW later in the year. Who are your favourite Kiwi designers? 
Zambesi!

Chuck Taylor All Star Modern meets musician and social media influencer, Josh McKenzie
We challenge you not to be inspired by the social media savvy Josh McKenzie, others were, and he’s got thousands of followers to prove it. Dancing to the beat of his own drum is Josh’s mantra, and judging by the badass snaps populating his Instagram feed, he doesn’t take life too seriously. Josh represents the changing face of social media – unabashedly himself, unfiltered, unwavering. This new evolution of social media influencer pairs perfectly with the latest sneaker in the Chuck Family – the Chuck Taylor All Star Modern. Clean, comfortable, and totally on trend, this is what happens when a classic sneaker is transformed throughout modern design. 

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The Converse Forever Chuck campaign is all about the evolution of an icon – the Chuck Taylor. How do you feel your own style has evolved over the last five years?
I'm way more comfortable wearing whatever I want, whenever I want.

How would you describe your personal style?
Honest.

What is it that you love about Chuck Taylors?
Their versatility and simplicity.

What’s your favourite way to style your Chuck Taylor All Star Moderns? 
They go with everything, so anything goes!

What are the three style rules you always follow?
I’m not a fan of rules. If I made them I'd most likely break them.

What trend are you loving at the moment?
Second hand clothes – it’s the only trend I can afford!

With so many incredible Fashion Weeks happening around the globe – from New York and London to Milan and Paris – we’re getting pretty excited about NZFW later in the year. Who are your favourite Kiwi designers
Chalk brand and Zambesi.

Photography by Laura Snelling