Did you know that Coca-Cola, the soda brand, had a hand in shaping our modern understanding of Santa Claus? Prior to 1931, there were numerous disparate depictions of the mythical character.
However, after Coca-Cola commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to paint a series of images of the character for Christmas advertisements — positioning Claus as a jolly, rosy-cheeked, happy gentleman — it set a new standard we still collectively use to this day.
So, what does Santa Claus have to do with Converse shoes, you might be wondering? More than you might think, based on the classic sneaker brand’s latest collaboration.
That same red-and-white motif shared by the soda brand and Santa Claus can be found on the new Coca-Cola x Converse Chuck 70.
Grab a Coke— er, Chuck
This actually isn’t the first time Coca-Cola and Converse have teamed up. Previously, the two brands joined with Kith for a three-pronged collaboration.
That said, this latest collaboration is a whole lot more stylistically subtle — there’s no aggressive, excessive Coca-Cola branding, as on the previous sneakers. However, they are loaded with pretty excellent easter eggs.