New To HIP: Lomer

Lomer’s origins date back to 1948, when Dionisio Merlo began making shoes in the Italian town of Montebelluna – a shoe capital in the Veneto region with ancient and deep roots in the trade. After several decades Lomer had established a reputation for fine craftmanship, and it was at this point that Dionisio retired and passed the legacy onto his sons. Over the years Lomer has kept its family-run values and commitment to local, made in Italy production. The label offers value, comfort and craft. Its designs mix style with function – durable products designed for the outdoors but equally as suited to functional urban wear.

The Pelso is an elegant style crafted in a rich suede upper neatly combined with functional aspects through a waterproof membrane and durable outsole.

Explore the launch of Lomer with the label’s Pelso shoe at HIP.

Converse Chuck 70 – Screen Icons

Part of the reason why Converse is such a cultural phenomena is its role within film. Over the years Converse has featured in iconic moments on the big screen, capturing the spirit of the time, era-defining styles and showing new generations why for so many years the brand has been a true definition of cool.

After starting as a basketball model, Converse was soon on the feet of artists, musicians, skaters and virtually everyone else in-between. A feature of underground counter-cultural movements but still touching the mainstream, Converse’s appeal has always been cross-generational.

Converse’s prominence on screen is so powerful as film is a timeless emblem of nostalgic periods of culture. Looking back on the Chuck 70 in movies and TV, it is easy to see why the label so strongly embodies American fashion history throughout the ages. It is this mix of pop culture, history and Americana that gives Converse its legacy as a timeless classic.

This season at HIP we explored the style icons and trendsetters that have embraced the Chuck 70, taking inspiration from famous moments on screen to highlight why Converse and pop culture are so intertwined.

Explore seasonal and classic Converse at HIP.

Seinfeld (1989-1998)

Seinfeld is a classic American sitcom that revolutionised TV in many ways. The show’s humour and clever observations cemented its legacy within pop culture. Style wise, look back at Seinfeld and you will see ’90s trends that have returned to prominence today. At the heart of this is the Chuck 70 – a casual lifestyle shoe ever-popular at the time.

Grease (1978)

American musical-play turned film, Grease, so famously charters the rock-and-roll summer of 1950 as a group of high-school kids experience romance, friendship and adventure. Fixed in 20th century pop culture, Grease showcases the legacy of Converse in the ’50s better than no other, as the shoe pops up in the background of so many scenes. The Chuck 70 is worn to the gym, to dance, go to class and even when celebrating the end of the school year – a true style staple of the period

Back To The Future (1985)

Back To The Future is a legendary film that brought its own version of sci-fi to the fore in ’80s, as it became number one movie of the year in 1985, marking the start of its franchise. Back To The Future cleverly balances sci-fi with comedy and cynicism as it depicts the life of suburban teenager Marty, and his best friend, an eccentric scientist. The protagonist travels back in time to the 1950’s, as the film humorously points out the differences between the eras. Although one thing that remains consistent between the time travelling is Marty’s impeccable Americana style – dad jeans make an appearance with vintage wash denim jackets and puffer vests, alongside none other than Converse’s most famous silhouette the Black Chuck 70 Hi.

Rocky (1976)

The start of a franchise that would span decades, the first Rocky film in 1976 was an immediate blockbuster and marked the emergence of Sylvester Stallone within Hollywood. Rocky is a story of a small-time boxer getting the chance of a lifetime to fight for a World Championship. In most of Rocky Balboa’s training scenes, he is pictured working out in the cult Chuck 70 Hi Top in Black. One of the most well-known movie scenes of all time, Balboa sports the Chuck 70’s as he races up the 72 steps of Philadelphia’s Museum of Art – a metaphor for the underdog rising up into a champion.

Stand By Me (1986)

A classic coming of age film about four boys living in a small American town who embarked on an adventure that would change them forever, Stand By Me has long-since been revered as a tale of adolescence, friendship and life. Set in the late summer of 1959, Converse is worn throughout Stand By Me and is a key style reference as the film captures American boyhood in the 1950’s.

The Basketball Diaries (1995)

The Basketball Diaries is based around a diary later published by poet, author and musician, Jim Carroll, chronicling his early teens growing up in ’60s New York and descending into the city’s dark underworld. The film captures the gritty streets of NY, portraying Jim (played by Leonardo Di Caprio) and his friends as they navigate their youth in a world of drug addiction. The Chuck 70 is worn throughout the film by Jim and his basketball team, showing the early foundation of the shoe on court as well as the style of New York’s youth in the era.

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Another film central to Converse’s pop culture legacy is The Breakfast Club – an ’80s indie favourite portraying five high-school stereotypes about to enter into adulthood. Over the course of a detention, the contrasting personalities realise they may have more in common than they think, as writer/director John Hughes captures the nuances of teenage life in a film as relatable as any. The group all sport their own version of ’80s American style, with the vibe of the era none more summed up by Converse – a staple footwear choice for teenagers for decades before, during and after the film.

HIP Footwear Rotation

Our footwear rotation at HIP is aligned to our current tastes and version of contemporary lifestyle. The selection highlights key silhouettes attracting attention in the modern sneaker world, as we favour an array of aesthetics like streamlined design, function and retro. Explore the models making up our rotations here at HIP HQ, featuring Salomon, adidas Originals, ASICS, New Balance and Nike.

Salomon XT-6

Salomon has cemented its place in contemporary fashion and is always in our rotation at HIP. Designed as a high-tech trail model, the XT-6’s all-round functionality and streamlined aesthetic is what has made it so popular within modern lifestyles across the world. The XT-6 delivers everything you would want in a trail runner: a lightweight build, EVA cushioning for soft landings and lug geometry for stability no matter the surface.

adidas Originals Gazelle

The adidas Originals Gazelle is a pop culture icon. First seen in ’66, the Gazelle was one of the early progenitors of the gum sole and the first three stripe model to sport a suede upper, replacing the traditional leather used in other training shoes at the time. As adidas named other models after fast land mammals at the time, like the ‘Panther’ and ‘Jaguar’, in the early days the Gazelle denoted speed and performance. Built on a track shoe last, but tested by the West German national football team and top handball players, the Gazelle was a general athletic shoe that served all purposes. Although the cult appeal of the Gazelle largely lies away from sport. Whether it was hip-hop in the ’80s or Britpop in the ’90s, the Gazelle was immersed in era-defining movements. When looking for a timeless shoe filled with culture and meaning, there is no better option that the Gazelle.

adidas Originals Samba

The past couple of seasons have seen the popularity of the Samba skyrocket in contemporary fashion. One of the hottest shoes in the current footwear market, the Samba has been spotted on celebrities, fashion influencers, in OG adidas subcultures and pretty much everywhere else in-between. The shoe’s popularity can be pinpointed to its retro aesthetics and simple design which makes for effortless styling. First made as a training shoe before featuring at the 1950 World Cup, the Samba was revamped in the ’60s with a streamlined gum sole, eventually leading to its appeal for skateboarders and prepsters in the ’90s. Today the Samba is a shoe that you can’t go wrong with when searching for an everyday silhouette that can be styled in lots of ways.

Nike Air Force 1

The Air Force 1 is and will always be a go-to for clean casual styling – something the shoe is famously synonymous with thanks to its fresh aesthetic. Back in 1982 the Air Force 1 was the first to exhibit Nike Air technology, soon after being distributed to the best NBA players of the era. As the decade worn on the AF1 was a staple in the golden age of hip-hop, especially when the all-white silhouette was released. Recent seasons has seen Nike play with colour palettes whilst keeping the basis of the shoe’s cult appeal.

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14

The ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14 was first seen in the late ‘2000s and recently re-surfaced to emerge as a flagship running shoe in the ASICS collection. The shoe was the brainchild of Toshikazu Kayano, a former industrial designer that was responsible for several cutting-edge models in the era. The GEL-KAYANO series was governed by the Japanese philosophy of kaizen, referring to gradual improvement, a notion which speaks to the shoe’s consistent advancement of scientific function. The latest GEL-KAYANO 14’s maintain the style’s retro running aesthetics, whilst continuing to advance its performance capabilities. Mirroring its original midsole tooling with GEL technology cushioning, the shoe now has an updated fit for comfort with every step.

ASICS GEL-NYC

We caught our first glimpse of the GEL-NYC after ASICS collaborated with Awake NY – a youthful streetwear brand with New York’s DNA running through its veins. Since then the GEL-NYC has become a key silhouette for ASICS – an all-round model launching in a plethora of colour palettes this season. The GEL-NYC is a highly versatile shoe that blends different archival inspirations, emerging as a fan favourite. The shoe takes technical details from ASICS models of yesteryears, whilst its modern lightweight foams and GEL technology combine to render highly-advanced underfoot cushioning.

New Balance 2002R

New Balance is always a mainstay in our rotation, as the Boston-based footwear brand continues to deliver clean styles ready-made for day-to-day styling. No model sums this up more than the 2002R. Inspired by the brand’s high-end running catalogue from the late 2000’s, the shoe is constructed in breathable mesh overlayed with rich suede. A variation we have loved at HIP in recent years is the ‘Protection Pack’ – a rugged, distressed update that oozes contemporary flair. Both models are equipped with NB’s ABZORB midsole for a cushioned response with every step you take.

New Balance 1906D

Another model that features in the ‘Protection Pack’ series in the 1906D. Taking its name from the year New Balance was founded, the 1906D is modelled on the running styles from the ‘2000s that have become synonymous with modern style. The 1906D is classic New Balance – clean, timeless and built with technical features for everyday comfort.

New Balance Made in USA Footwear

2022 saw the first series of New Balance’s Made in USA collection. Overseen by New Balance Creative Director and Aime Leon Dore founder Teddy Santis, the collection applies his deep-rooted commitment to authentic storytelling into elevated seasonal models that explore the footwear label’s culture, craftsmanship and history. Each model is defined by colour and material choice, capturing the pride and quality that goes into New Balance’s Made in USA craftsmanship. Each season at HIP the latest Made in USA collection is always a highlight in the calendar.

HIP Blueprints

HIP Blueprints presents a range of considered looks, curating our elevated streetwear and contemporary brands. Explore different modern style profiles that capture our tastes and aesthetics here at HIP.

01 – adidas Originals Samba OG

Our first style profile is a modern take on preppy menswear, featuring the Samba OG by adidas Originals– a cultured classic that has carved out a status as the hottest model in the current footwear market. Seen in fashion circles far and wide, the Samba OG’s popularity can be pinpointed to a simple retro aesthetic that offers endless styling possibilities.

02 – Needles Lace Shirt

Our second look styles several high-end streetwear brands in our roster at HIP. A key pickout is NeedlesLace Shirt. Needles’ tasteful Americana references are always illuminated in the summer season – the cabana-style shirt is crafted in a sheer lace floral fabric that will define and add flair to any summer wardrobe.

03 – Samsoe Samsoe Ozzy Polo Shirt

Our third profile includes the Ozzy Polo Shirt by Samsoe Samsoe – a piece that seamlessly blends retro influences with the Copenhagen-based label’s clean-cut take on modern Scandi styling. The Polo’s vivid multi-coloured cable knit pattern is rendered in a soft and textured linen and organic cotton blend yarn.

04 – Carhartt WIP Nash Jacket

Season after season Carhartt WIP offer up workwear-streetwear pieces that fit perfectly as reliable wardrobe essentials. The Nash Jacket is one of those signature styles that we have come to know and love with Carhartt WIP. Made from tough Smith denim, the Jacket’s triple-stitching, metal rivets and multiple pockets all nod to utility influences. A final touch is this season’s playful Heart logo, fascinatingly referring to an original Carhartt motif from the 1920’s.

05 – YMC Rat Pack Cardigan

The Rat Pack Cardigan is one of favourite pieces by YMC this season. Taking its name after the iconic group of ’50s Hollywood stars that formed the iconic Rat Pack, the Cardigan is crafted from pure wool and sits in-between smart and casual – aiding transitional outfits. The fabric is built to stand the test of time and is decorated with a playful striped design.

06 – PUMA x Noah Star

Our final outfit highlights one of the collaborations that has caught our eye this season – the PUMA x Noah collection, delving into a world of subculture and tennis in the ’70s/’80s. The range was built around the PUMA Star – a lesser-known European model that first launched at Wimbledon. The sneaker is low-profile, made in premium leather and oozes tennis’ elegant charm from the era.

Explore our latest HIP Blueprints.

Clarks Originals Natalie – European Exclusive To HIP

The Natalie is a lesser-spotted archive model making a welcome return this season as an European exclusive stocked at HIP. The Natalie was first seen back in 1980 for only a short time before being re-issued under Clarks Originals in ’99. The concept behind the Natalie was partly down to the president of Clarks Canada, Hugh Woods, who was seeking a more feminine summer style to sit alongside the iconic Wallabee franchise. The Clarks designers used surplus materials from the manufacturing of the Wallabee, producing the Natalie in a clever design using smaller panels of leather held together by the shoe’s distinctive silhouette. The Natalie is defined by a classic moccasin look and feel, alongside a distinctive crepe sole unit which extends up the toe and heel. In yesteryears the Natalie achieved cultural prominence as a Jamaican classic, also gaining cult appeal in Japan, Korea and UK subcultures.

The Clarks Originals Natalie – European Exclusive To HIP launches at HIP on 21/07/23 online at 8am and in-store in Leeds & Manchester from 10am.

Engineered Garments – HIP Exclusive

HIP presents an exclusive collection by Americana menswear specialist Engineered Garments. Engineered Garments is highly respected for the level of detail and thought behind each piece, refreshing each collection with new materials, patterns and colour schemes. The primary focus of this range is Fustian fabrics – a type of tough, heavyweight cotton used in menswear that is derived from traditional weaving methods. The range is defined by interesting colour palettes complimented by the quality of the brand’s made in America production.

The A-1 Jacket is inspired by military flying silhouettes and is crafted in robust corduroy with considered details in the form of a traditional rib fold over collar and boxy, but slightly cropped shape.

The Work Shirt is made in corduroy, commonly used as a traditional workwear fabric before becoming commonplace in menswear. The shirt has utilitarian design features such as top-stitching reinforcements and is shaped to a relaxed fit for unique styling possibilities.

The Parka is made in thick moleskin, a fabric that offers function, reliability and weather protection alongside a smooth, elegant hand feel. The style has a number of points of difference and illuminates Engineered Garments’ design language at its finest.

The Engineered Garments – HIP Exclusive collection is online now and is available in our Leeds & Manchester stores.