Beyonce’s first single, “Run The World (Girls)” from her upcoming album, “Four,” has arrived. The song is fine and the theme, women empowerment, is fairly standard issue  for her. A few things to look out for: product placement shot of Converse One Star sneakers at 1:21, hyenas on chains at 1:56, Beyonce giving a pixilated finger at 2:05 and also flashing her stiletto mani at 2:24, making this nail profile an official pop star trend.

A cute idea whose time is long past due–sneakers for prom. We’ve been harping on this for a while, but for women in their teens and twenties (and thirties, forties and up if they’re on the progressive side), sneakers are a part of their fashion wardrobe. And it’s funny, too, as much as we feature sky-high heels (see previous post!), I’ve been noticing lately in my travels around New York that one of the defining characteristics of younger women is that they do not wear much in the way of heels. Tons of military boots, canvas lace-ups and flats, but not much past half an inch. Via Glamour.

A couple more styles on the next page, more at Converse.  

Only available in Japan( sigh..) is the first ever Givenchy and Converse “Addict” collaboration. A dark sleek interpretation of the classic Chuck Taylor All Stars:

For this long-awaited collaboration of the season, comes the very first co-production of Converse and Givenchy, the French couture House led by its artistic director Riccardo Tisci.Following the leopard print motif that first appeared in Givenchy’s Men SS 2011 collection, these shoes also bear Riccardo Tisci signature motifs such as studs and crosses. Unisex sizing is available from 5.0 to 11.5  will hit stores starting on April 27th.

So queue worthy. Images courtesy of Givenchy.

Just enough studs, just enough rugged appeal, John Varvatos always gets it right. The studded high tops are available at Converse with images via Streething. One more style on the next page.

Jack Purcell had a wife and her name was Helen. This Converse shoe was designed in her honor. The signature smile on the front cap is still there, but the tailoring is slimmed down for a woman’s more delicate foot. ”Helen”  is available at retail now in the wildly popular Marimekko print, plus three more solid colors.

Ladies, can you kick it? Yes, Converse says you finally can with a collection of hi, mid and low “Lady All-Star” sneakers in black, grey and white created just for women (and men with balls). See more on the next page. For details visit Shoes-up.

Modelled after the tradition of Lovikka mittens in Sweden, had to post the cozy looking’ Lovikka converse Sneakers’ made in collaboration with sneakerstuff. The tassels in the back, makes us all warm and fuzzy. More images on the flip, via neo2.

Converse partners with Spanish jewelery line Uno de 50 on a pair of converse all stars , that we would gladly wear any day.Available  this month at uno de 50 boutiques. Another view on the flip.Via neo2.

Converse is offering furry boots for fall, and as you’ll see on the next page, the fur collar is removable. Also available in black. Via Unbar.

Concepts in Cambridge, Mass., is serving up some very rockstar Chuck Taylors for the ladies, one pair in metallic purple with corset lacing along the back, and the other in sequins in two different colors.

Another angle on the hi-tops, plus the two sequin pairs after the flip.