I bought my first pair nearly 6 years ago, just classic back with a white sole, at the Vans store on Carnaby Street in London. I think they were a bday pressie for my 23rd birthday (you do the math) - since moving to Aus I actually had them in storage back in Europe because I hardly ever wore them. I couldn't believe the Era massacre (and believe me, it's defs a massacre) that was going on down under. All these black skinny jeaned, mo sporting, flanno check shirt wearing, shitty sleeve tattoo wearing try hards thinking they're being dead original and uber cool because hey, Dogtown says it is...so it must be.
(If you look closely, this is me sporting them in 2003 waiting for a tube. Ah...the fresh face of youth)
Anyhoo...this is just another example of something being perfectly dope until a scene crowd hook their little gnashers into it, and rape it for all it is worth.
So now they have gone and brought out some tribute Era's due in Feb. These shoes are supposed to pay tribute to Suicidal Tendencies, the seminal band that first gave skate punk street cred in Southern California nearly thirty years ago. The band like the shoes have inspired generations of musicians and skaters alike. So now all these little followers have to do is wear these fuckers and hey presto! not only do they still get to wear their little pansy shoes, but they get a bit of cred for being mildly affiliated with a band they have only ever kinda heard of. It's enough to make me vomit in my authentics.
Who can blame the brand for trying to be original by bringing out a 'Suicidal Tendencies' era to help fight against the smothering of the these overrated canvas slippers? Although I think it's only going to make it worse. Just another rockabilly tattoo, beanie-in-summer wearing douche will snap up these laces. Hell, Converse are just as rad, if not better, but hey...you just stick to whatever everyone else is doing OK sugar? I'm probs gonna get a bit of a telling off from all era fans, but the thing is...I actually couldnt give a 'hoot' what scenesters think of moi. It's not like the comments would be original or anything. Ouch.
