Thursday night’s launch party for Iconic retail brand Converse at its new Soho location on Broadway and Prince Street here in NYC brought out the most diverse and universal crowd of people one could imagine. And that is because of the amazingly diverse and universal appeal its signature sneaker has had on American culture ever since its founding in 1908. Converse went all out with its food and drink and grooved the crowd with music from The Strokes’ Albert Hammond Jr., and hip hop pioneer Q-Tip from A Tribe called Quest. Converse’s cool signature sneaker, the ‘Chuck Taylor’ named after basketball star Charles ‘Chuck’ Taylor who was the first player endorser of the hip brand, has influenced audiences ranging from music, fashion, art and of course, sports. Even award winning mens designer John Varvatos, who designed a collection for Converse, attended and told me he’s here because “we’re family.” The surprise guest for me and happily as well, was Oscar nominated newcomer Gabourey Sidibe who told me she prefers her Converse in high tops and in pink or red. The ‘Precious’ actress also told me she’s filming, new action-comedy ”Tower Heist’ with A-Lister’s Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy,Michael Pena and Alan Alda, and was spotted last week on NY’s West Side doing just that. Others from NY’s elite that came out to celebrate the All American brand include NY magazine honchos from Elle and Paper Magazine, basketball legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving, model Cory Kennedy, and Alex Calderwood who owns NY’s chic and hip Ace Hotel. www.converse.com