Converse Announces Sustainable Shoes, Keren Craig Exits Marchesa

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Converse Announces Sustainable Collection (WWD)
Converse is releasing an eco-friendly version of its iconic Chuck Taylor sneakers. The Converse Renew collection will be made from recycled plastics, denim, and cotton. The first run of shoes — made from recycled PET — will be available July 5th. Converse partnered with First Mile, which “purchases plastic bottles from developing countries” for the PET line, and worked to mimic the feel of its traditional canvas.

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A post shared by Converse (@converse) on May 25, 2019 at 7:38am PDT

Keren Craig to Exit Marchesa (The Cut)
Keren Craig, co-founder of Marchesa, is leaving the brand. “Marchesa will always be the realization of a dream,” she said in a statement. “Over the last 16 years, it has been the most incredible and fulfilling professional journey. I am excited to now begin exploring additional creative opportunities and to push my potential as a designer in new directions.”

Keren Craig (Patrick McMullan/PMC)

The Love Ball III Was a Star-Studded Extravaganza
Last night at Gotham Hall the CFDA and Susanne Bartsch celebrated Ballroom culture and raised funds for the CFDA/Vogue HIV/AIDS Fund with the Love Ball III. It was a lavish evening, with many of the biggest names in New York fashion and nightlife in attendance. Guests included Christian Siriano, Fernando Garcia, Indya Moore, Janet Mock, Jason Wu, Jillian Mercado, Mel Ottenberg, Milk, Sharon Needles, Steven Kolb, and Steven Klein, among others. Meanwhile Master of Ceremonies Billy Porter kept the party going, and performed his new song, “Love Yourself.”

: Charly Defrancesco and Marc Jacobs (BFA)

: Susanne Bartsch and Billy Porter (BFA)

: Mary J. Blige (BFA)

But the main event was the various competitions for fashion, beauty, and dance. Celebrities like Aquaria, Mary J. Blige, David and Phillipe Blond, Nicky Hilton-Rothschild, Marc Jacobs and Char Defrancesco, Amanda Lepore, Patrick Starrr, Teyana Taylor, Dita von Teese were among the night’s esteemed judges. Dapper Dan was on hand to presented trophies designed by contemporary artists to the winners. Below are the winners, as well as the artist trophies they received.

: Dapper Dan (BFA)

: Amanda Lepore (BFA)

: Fernando Garcia and Nicky Hilton Rothschild (BFA)

Head to Toe (self-made couture): Roger Superstar. Trophy by Lucy Dodd
Hair Spectacular: Orlando. Trophy by Tony Oursler
Beauty and Face: Yasmine Petty. Trophy by KAWS
Move to the Groove (dance category): Invertebrate. Trophy by Kenny Scharf
Show Stoppers (performance category): Charlene. Trophy by Raúl de Nieves
Battle of the Legendary Houses: Xtravaganze. Trophy by Jack Pierson

: Teyana Taylor (BFA)

: Aquaria (BFA)

: Janet Mock (BFA)

: Patrick Starrr (BFA)

: Christian Siriano (BFA)

: Dita von Teese (BFA)

: Miss Lawrence (BFA)

: Kevin Aviance (BFA)

: Jillian Mercado (BFA)

American Dream Launches a Social Media Campaign
American Dream, the new retail/dining/entertainment experience opening this fall, has launched its first social media campaign. Ken Downing, chief creative officer of American Dream, is the first to star in a series of vignettes asking, “What does the American dream look like to you?” Zac Posen will star in a later installment.

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A post shared by American Dream (@americandream) on Jun 24, 2019 at 7:04am PDT

Andrew Warren Receives Leadership Award From Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation
This week Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation hosted the Midsummer Angel Gala, raising nearly $100,000 to benefit children with cancer. Designer Andrew Warren was honored with a leadership award at the event.