In a harmonious blend of skateboarding culture, alternative music, and the vibrant essence of New York City, Converse and Awake NY have unveiled their inaugural collaborative collection. This debut capsule from the Converse x Awake NY partnership pays homage to the flourishing skate and alternative music scene that thrived in the heart of New York during the early ’90s, coinciding with Converse’s reintroduction of the iconic 1974 All Star as the One Star.

Founded by Angelo Baque, a native of Queens, in 2012, Awake NY mirrors the rich diversity that defines the landscape of New York City, encapsulating the spirit and sensibility of the city’s five boroughs. This unique silhouette was not only embraced but also deeply embedded within the skateboarding and alternative music communities, where a love for apparel and sneakers from the ’70s era became a distinctive style statement.

Angelo Baque reflects on the cultural significance of the One Star, stating, “The One Star always connects back to the early ’90s punk and alternative artists I really admired, whether it be Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, or the Beastie Boys—music that typically you wouldn’t assume people where I’m from would listen to, or wear a pair of the One Star. If you wore a pair of One Stars back then, you didn’t subscribe to the social norms.” This collaboration serves as a poignant tribute to those formative memories.

The Converse x Awake NY collection showcases three variations of the One Star Pro in black, blue, and white sand colorways. The Awake NY’s distinctive script logo is elegantly embroidered on the lateral side of the vintage suede upper, complemented by co-branded sock liners and license plates. The One Star Pro silhouette is meticulously designed for skateboarders, offering exceptional board feel and impact cushioning, thanks to a CONS traction rubber outsole and a molded CX sockliner. Its low-profile design allows for tonal versatility, while a rubber-backed suede upper ensures durability.

The collection doesn’t stop at sneakers, though. It also features a three-piece functional apparel lineup, including a cotton rugby jersey shirt with satin-stitch embroidery branding on the chest and a striking water-based large back print. The two-toned fleece hoodie stands out with a contrasting blue hood, while a cotton jersey tee adds to the mix.

For fashion enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike, the Converse x Awake NY collection is now available at prices ranging from R 899,95 to R 1999,95 exclusively at Converse Sandton City, Converse Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and Converse Menlyn Shopping Centre.

To stay in the loop and discover more about the #CreateNext movement, be sure to follow @converse.za on all social media platforms. This collaboration embodies the vibrant soul of New York and celebrates the subcultures that have left an indelible mark on the city’s fashion and music scene.