By definition, to “disrupt” means to cause radical change through innovation. On the outside, any drastic move away from the norm can look chaotic, brazen, or just plain reckless. Yet, among those catalyzing this kind of groundbreaking transformation, the intention is evident from the beginning, often rooted in deep passion and unrelenting dedication. 

For Converse, altering the status quo is part of its brand makeup. Rising to prominence following the Chuck Taylor All-Star’s debut, a staple across every generation of footwear, the iconic Star Chevron logo is no stranger to shifting the culture. The heritage sneaker brand now exists as an entity in service of the bold, supporting contemporary agitators who continue to challenge what’s possible. From reclaiming its rightful spot in hoops with NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to empowering Tyler, the Creator, to do…well…what Tyler, the Creator does, the only real limit for Converse is how far the rest of us are willing to take it. 

This unapologetic ethos resonates deeply with KunleIRAK and Cake Robles, two artistic veterans who have committed their lives to their respective crafts. Growing up, it was always clear to the New York natives that the only option was to create with no less than unrelenting devotion. 

Coming of age in the mid-90s, KunleIRAK belonged to an era where many of today’s popular trends were reserved for societal burnouts and directionless misfits. Inspired by the untapped, raw potential that surrounded him, the street art OG found solace in a community of skaters, graffiti writers, and downtown punks, many of whom would go on to shape the tastes and aesthetics that currently captivate us. Tagging under the alias Earsnot, the foundational counterculture figure remains apathetic toward expectations, creating to satisfy his own artistic appetite rather than appeal to the masses. 

“To me, being a disruptor means sticking to what you love even when it’s not cool,” KunleIRAK notes pointedly. “I’m not trying to please when I’m making art. If you like what I do, great. If not, that’s really none of my business.” 

Paralleling Kunle’s focused mentality, Robles understands the intrinsic desire to follow your vision at all costs. Hailing from Coney Island and residing in Flatbush, the imaginative creative experimented with various mediums as a child but found her niche in the discipline of tattooing. Enamored with the art form's deep historical ties, Robles uses tattoos to share personal stories and express different aspects of her identity. Known for her signature style and identifiable cherub motif, there is a permanence in the renowned tattoo artist’s work that is not only physical but also abstract, as she sees a piece of herself in each design. 

“Not every tattoo has to have meaning, but no matter what, there is always a story tied to it,” Robles shares. “I love tattooing things that resonate with me, things that I can connect with.”

United by their grounded approach to artistry, Kunle and Robles made the perfect duo to help Converse continue its run of rebellion against the expected. Lending their identifiable imprints to the brand’s latest stunt, the two dynamic creators are helping take over NYC—one cleverly executed spectacle at a time. 

Encouraging those at the cutting edge to “keep making,” Converse is still finding new ways to redefine the standard and preserve authenticity in the modern age. 

Stay tuned for more.