CONVERSE BY JOHN VARVATOS

The collaboration between designer John Varvatos and Converse is one of the more natural and successful partnerships in recent memory. In most cases a guest designer will come on board to design one collection and it will be highly scrutinized, with sales results often taking a back seat to the big personalities involved. Converse was a very smart and strategic move by Varvatos and helped put his label on the map after his departure as creative director of Nautica. Whether his decision to become a judge on “Fashion Star” was smart is another question entirely. Perhaps he’s hoping to capture the magic that Michael Kors has experienced through his starring role on “Project Runway.” Respect within the upper echelon of the fashion industry or wider national recognition and thus sales? How often can it be both?

The partnership has also succeeded because the shoes have been great. Pure Converse, but updated with Varvatos’ rock and roll edge. Take the Star Player above, the low profile, canvas upper and red accent colors are perfect for summer. They’ll look great matched up with your lighter spring denim, fitted khakis, or best case scenario: shorts, gray v-neck tee shirt, no socks. Star Player EV, $90, available at Converse.