The first collaboration between Jack Purcell and Graphpaper.
Developed as part of the Autumn & Winter 2024 collection built around the theme "SHADES OF GRAY",
this project explores tonal gradients in gray as cohesive styling.
Using gray as the key color and brick as an accent,
how was the Converse long-running classic reinterpreted?
We asked Minami about the highlights and the development process behind the pair.
Jack Purcell, created as part of
the SHADES OF GRAY collection.
―The first Jack Purcell collaboration has been announced.
Minami: For a long time, I wanted to make something like an easy "slip-on" shoe as a Graphpaper staple - something you could put on casually - and I'd been waiting for the right timing. But this project isn't positioned as a core staple: we made it specifically as part of the 2024 Autumn & Winter collection. So the challenge was how to introduce a pop of color into a gray, low-tech slip-on.
Minami: Most slip-ons out there, if you want to add an accent color to the sole, you'd have to make the entire toe guard - that double-layer rubber part - completely brick red. But that much area makes the color feel too strong. On the other hand, Jack Purcell has that "smile" at the toe. I wanted to put the accent color just there, which led to this collaboration.
The toe line is called the "Smile" for its resemblance to a curved grin - the charm and identity of Jack Purcell.
―So these were created as part of SHADES OF GRAY.
Minami: Normally, Jack Purcell is known for the raised, voluminous toe cap that emphasizes the smile line - one of its signature features. But the original slip-on model released in the early '90s didn't have a toe cap. I personally prefer that cleaner look. So we based this model on the version without a toe cap.
―What has been changed from the normal model?
Minami: First, we considered the upper material. Slip-ons, as shoes themselves, are casual, but we wanted the texture to feel premium. We landed on a fine Italian cow suede and specified the shade of gray. The elastic gore and topline are a darker charcoal gray.
The darker gore and topline create tonal contrast within the gray theme of SHADES OF GRAY.
―And the smile line and insole are the brick accent color.
Minami: And the heel label "mustache" — that's brick too. Under the "mustache," there's a tiny Graphpaper logo in brick. It's so small you can barely see it (laughs).
The insole and heel label carry Jack Purcell's signature twin-triangle "mustache" mark along with a Graphpaper logo.
Renewed comfort with
modern insole construction.
Minami: This part isn't visible, but we also changed the insole for comfort. The issue with low-tech sneakers is that they make your feet tired — especially for me since I'm flat-footed.
―Once you get used to high-tech sneaker comfort, it's hard to go back...
Minami: Exactly - that's a natural consumer reaction. So we tried to increase cushioning without changing the look.
Minami: The heel label "mustache" originally represents an insert that was added to the arch area inside the insole to improve cushioning and stability. So we revisited that idea using modern materials. By combining breathable soft urethane foam with sponge rubber and forming the arch, comfort improved dramatically. You'll feel it when you wear them.
―Yes, the arch rises quite noticeably.
The insole layers soft urethane foam and sponge rubber for cushioning and rebound. The arch slope echoes the "mustache" idea.
Minami: Refined materials and subtle coloring - looking simple, yet comfortable when worn. I think we achieved a slip-on like that. And being able to slip them on and off easily is a big plus. We'd never made slip-ons at Graphpaper before - this finally made it happen.
―Are they unisex?
Minami: Yes, from 23cm to 30cm. We made it up to 30cm because of my feet (laughs).
Minami: Graphpaper often makes wide pants, and I think these pair really well with them. Gray wide trousers, for example. Also great with drawcord pants cinched tight.
About JACK PURCELL
Developed in 1935 under the supervision of legendary badminton player Jack Purcell, who also lent his name to the model, Jack Purcell is known for its iconic smile on the toe and the "mustache" heel label. A clean, versatile design that suits anyone - nearly 90 years since release, it remains a timeless masterpiece among low-tech sneakers.
