A.P.C. + Nike Collab (Kicks Before D*cks?)

Here I am, mid-draft trying to organize my thoughts into something vaguely comprehendible that resembles a review of the Versace Fall 2012 couture show. You would think, then, that it would only be logical for me to interrupt my writing process to fawn over something like, say, the return of Mila Kunis as the face of Miss Dior (styled by personal icon Carine Roitfeld).

Oh, but non. I like to keep people on their toes, so here’s to sharing how I’m all but too excited for this headline on Fashionista.com:

 “A.P.C. and Nike Collaborate on a Line of Super Chic Sneakers”

Tell me this doesn’t get you as excited as it gets me. I dare you, tell me.

You’re not phased? I understand (read: am trying to). In all fairness, however, I find museums unequivocally exciting when most don’t. I’m also partial to sneakers given my dance background. Nikes and old-school Adidas and Supras have me in smiles.

To each their own.

Iconic French brand A.P.C. meets its all-American equivalent Nike for a collaboration; the result is a line of trainers which bring together the minimalist lines and color palettes of the former and the latter’s two most classic shoes, the Air Max and Dunk. It’s a traditional yet refreshing take on neutrals—ecru, navy and brown—for a collection sans the bells and whistles. Straightforward and timeless is the theme, as is sportswear that could be “worn with a very chic coat (Fashionista).”

And it could. Because I’ve always loved the signature white Nike Dunks, but found them too stark and clean for my liking. Ecru is as versatile, but unlike a bare white, it’s naked. Nude. It’s a blank canvas that’s been primed. Ecru is easy on the eyes. chicer. More done.

And it could, because sometimes I do tire of the heels. Can they be comfortable? Yes; they’re not as demonic as some make them out to be when you’re reasonable with the heel height. But yes, they hurt over time, and no, you shouldn’t be perched at the balls of your feet all day. (Hello, hypocrisy, my mother will say when she reads this!) Sometimes I want to be laid back and comfy and just c h i l l . Moreover, I sometimes tire of their—heels, I’m talking about—attachment to who I am. It’s not to say they’re not a part of my identity, because they are. But they are not representative of me, though I’m wont to feel that way the majority of times. People think of me and they instinctively listen for the click-clacks on the pavement; I stand in front of my shoe rack every morning and dismiss anything in an athletic box, because if I wear them I won’t feel like me. Call it a self-fulfilling prophecy, if you will.

I want androgyny sometimes. I do. These A.P.C.-ized Nikes will do the job: just enough masculinity without overwhelming me or my existing wardrobe. I imagine them worn with not a “very chic coat” as Jean Touitou suggests, but with my usual attire in place of heels. Cropped ankle-length skinnies, a favorite tank, a leather jacket. Swap the pant for a pair of sweats borrowed from a boy and I could easily go from school to an open class.

The moral of the story? Kicks before dicks, ladies.

.   .   .

Available starting August 30 at A.P.C. stores worldwide.

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