Converse and Awake NY have teamed up to drop their very first collection, and it’s a total mashup of skate and music-inspired vibes, perfectly reflecting the eclectic spirit of downtown New York. This debut capsule is all about celebrating the skate and alternative music scene that boomed in the ’90s NYC, right when Converse brought back the 1974 All Star, giving it a new life as the One Star.
Awake NY, launched by Queens native Angelo Baque in 2012, is all about embracing the diversity that defines the Big Apple’s landscape. It captures the heart and soul of the city’s five boroughs. This silhouette became a staple in the skate and alternative scenes, as people fell in love with vintage ’70s apparel and sneakers.

Angelo Baque, the man behind Awake NY, reminisces about the old days, saying, “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 is all about reliving those memories.
Now, what’s in the Converse x Awake NY capsule? Well, there are three flavors of the One Star Pro: black, blue, and white sand. The vintage suede upper is where you’ll find Awake NY’s script logo, alongside co-branded sock liners and license plates. This silhouette is designed for skaters, with excellent board feel and impact cushioning thanks to the CONS traction rubber outsole and molded CX sockliner. Plus, it’s got a low profile for style and rubber-backed suede for durability.

But that’s not all! There’s also a three-piece apparel collection, including a cotton rugby jersey shirt, a two-toned fleece hoodie with a pop of blue on the hood, and a cotton jersey tee, all rocking that cool Awake NY branding.
Ready to snag some of this fresh gear? You can find the Converse x Awake NY collection at Converse Sandton City, Converse Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and Converse Menlyn Shopping Centre. Prices range from R 899,95 to R 1999,95.
Keep an eye on @converse.za on all social media for the inside scoop on how you can get in on the #CreateNext movement