In celebration of unexpected connections with endless possibilities, Converse Create Next Live! Event showcases true Filipino music and street culture flair in support of their new regional site and launch of a music campaign starring Al James and Kiana V.
Connections often go beyond genetics or bloodlines. As part of our Filipino roots, we touch on each other’s experiences and narratives. In honor of our culture with great love for art, style, and history, classics have a way of showing up in our modern world, and Converse has a lot of fresh twists on classic styles to offer.
Converse values differences and unique perspectives, which is why they champion diversity among their All Stars community. With the continuous global multi-platform campaign of “Create Now. Create Next”, style and function have tapped into the world of music and art.
In pursuit of our unique identities, the brand continues to highlight creativity and collaboration through its recent event, the Converse Create Next Live! held last February 23, 2022 at NoKal Bar, Makati.
Street Style and Culture
There was nothing like a hidden bar in the heart of the basement that screamed Filipino street culture. Outside the entrance of the NoKal bar was the parking lot where the iconic jeepney and hanging banderitas could be seen.
Next to the jeepney were the popular street food stalls where guests had a taste of kwek kwek, kikiam, and squidball. With the classic sorbetes or Filipino ice-cream flavors of langka, ube, and strawberry in the cart, guests are ensured of a quality and immersive modern cultural celebration.
For those looking for a stage to show off their cropped tops and leather pants paired with their favorite Converse sneakers, a compact-disc background with a “Create Next” title was made ready for their spotlight moment.
Social media influencers, artists, and content creators styled in a mix of edgy fits of classic black coordinates and denim vests filled the event with ecstatic cheers and smiles that promised a good night of great music with the best people: creatives in the power of the collective.
Converse parties are not to be missed. With their team of skilled creatives known as the All Stars, DJ Alfred Sangil and DJ Kate Jagdon played the best hit music that everyone in the bar could dance or sing along to.
Converse Create Next Live!
To officially open the night, host Dani Mortel stepped onto the dance floor right in front of the DJ booth to greet the guests in the most festively and engagingly possible—joining the beat of the tunes. Going live that night, she gave the audience a sneak peek of the converse.ph website on the screen. This e-commerce website will soon go live with the brand’s latest and upcoming collections.
However, the night had just begun, and it did not end with their e-commerce site. Converse PH’s Marketing Manager Mr. Arvie Dizon took the dance floor stage to announce the exciting things happening that night. “We’re doing a lot of things tonight, not just having a sneak peek of converse.ph, but also launching the latest Converse Create Next music campaign helmed by All Stars Al James and Kiana V. You guys can also see some hot sneakers here. We are launching a new collection for the spring collection 2023.”
Converse came ready with the said hot sneakers: the Chuck 70 as an icon of culture and style, CX for the freedom to move around in comfort, the transformed Chuck 70 AT – CX for the future with exaggerated features, Run Star Motion that reflects the energy of city streets through its playful lines, and lastly, the Run Star Hike fashion-forward reimagination of classic chunks.
“And also, the stuff I’m wearing is Converse x Ader Error,” Arvie said, referring to his blue varsity jacket. “We’re launching them soon at Converse Powerplant and Converse Uptown Mall.”
All Stars That Shine
The Converse All Stars is a global connective that connects emerging creatives through immersive experiences, mentorship opportunities, commissioned work, and more.
The assemblage of All Stars allows the new generation of creators to make their works come to life. R&B icon Kiana V. uses her voice to express herself and had long been with Converse for years. Fashionably chic and talented, Kiana once walked the MEGA Fashion Week runway in Converse’s VLTG, a female-focused collection within the basketball universe, back in 2019.
Some thought this collection was only for athletes, but when Kiana came into the picture, she broke that mold. Edgy and electrifying, she knew how to look unapologetically cool with class. It wasn’t just Kiana, though. All Star Rapper and songwriter Al James continues to make waves in the OPM industry with Converse’s full support because Filipino music is worth listening to.
Connect with the Unexpected
We love connecting with others because we want to be a part of their lives. In the Philippine setting, we are deeply rooted in the culture that binds us and makes us proud of where we came from.
Converse Philippines brought together Filipino music stars Kiana V and Al James to introduce Filipino street culture and music to the world in a collaboration called “Tunog Pinoy”. It combines the sounds of the busy streets of the Philippines, such as the iconic horns of jeepneys and takatak, to produce a new and unique original beat that the global audience can enjoy.
“They come from different genres. We don’t expect them to come together, but that’s the beauty of everything. We get two different people coming together with two different sounds and we get something fresh and new.”
Both stars were thrilled with the finished product of this collaboration, which would be included in the iconic brand’s latest music release, Converse All Star Anthem, that will come out this March.
“Filipino talent deserves to be heard around the world,” Rapper and viral hitmaker Al James proudly stated.
A collection of new and original music created by Converse All Stars and collaborators worldwide, the Converse All Star Anthem is a mix of diverse cultural beats, talent, and musical influences in a single track produced by Brazilian icon Marcelo D2.
Playing Live!
Live events always bring a certain level of fun and excitement. Performing live on the dance floor stage was the voice of hip music, Kiana V. She sang her original songs “Does She Know”, “Heartbeat On Me”, and “Safe Place”, all of which the crowd adored.
To make the night even more special, rapper Al James performed his songs “Pahinga” and “Mood” with Muric. Since Converse loved supporting their artists, All Star Timmy Albert also came to the dance floor to perform live. He sang “Rent Free”, an early taste of the song that was set to be released on Spotify that midnight.
With a platform for artistic discovery made through opportunities, events, and style developments, Converse continues its legacy of demonstrating to the world the power of self-expression.
To get to know more about the latest Converse collections and campaigns, check out their Facebook and Instagram.
