Music and fashion have always intersected in so many ways. For decades now, Converse has been a prime example of this, becoming the ultimate go-to choice of shoes for countless artists spanning different genres and generations.

Notably, through the years, Converse has consistently been associated with the rebellious and carefree spirit of rock music. From punk trailblazers like The Ramones to grunge icons like Nirvana, the world-renowned brand has been sported by some of the genre’s most influential and highly respected names. Converse has come to help embody and personify the genre through fashion, hand-in-hand defying norms and expectations through sheer displays of artistic creativity, dedication, and tenacity.

Photography by Kimmeth Nicolas

Fast-forward to the present, various young artists walk the same path as those who paved the way for them, armed and ready to conquer any stage with their favorite pairs of Converse. In their own unique ways, these artists serve as modern day champions of rock, embodying the genre’s ethos and effectively elevating it to new heights for their own generation and beyond.

In the Philippines, juan karlos is undeniably one of these acts.

Over the years, the young hitmaker has always been known to dabble in various facets of rock in his music, especially on his two most recent albums Sad Songs And Bullshit Part 1 and Part 2. Combining this with his unabashed expressiveness as a songwriter and consistent, dynamic energy on-stage, juan karlos exemplifies what it means to be a modern day rocker.

Ultimately, because of this, it comes as no surprise why artists like him and Converse’s Run Star Trainer – the brand’s latest top-notch collection – are the perfect match.

Photography by Kimmeth Nicolas

Described as the “next step in the Star Chevron legacy,” the Run Star Trainer features “sleek details and luxe cushioning” that can easily go hand-in-hand with one’s favorite outfits, no matter the time of day or occasion one finds themselves in.

With Juan Karlos’ inclination to dive into an array of sounds within the rock genre, this has resulted in a tastefully diverse discography that showcases his range and personal growth as a musician. The Converse Run Star Trainer reflects his constantly evolving artistry, being a “modern, versatile sneaker” that can keep up with one’s “ever-changing style.”

With its availability in a variety of colorways, the name of the game for the Converse Run Star Trainer is versatility and range. From “classic neutrals” to various “get-noticed colors,” the Converse Run Star Trainer enables its wearer to own their style, perfect for whatever ensemble one puts together. 

Photography by Kimmeth Nicolas

With juan karlos being an energetic performer who flawlessly embodies each of his sonically unique tracks on-stage, the Converse Run Star Trainer is the perfect shoe to match his dynamic energy, ultimately designed to adapt to changes and complement the vibe of its wearer.

Much like juan karlos, Converse has never been known to shy away from experimentation, embracing the potential one can achieve when creative freedom is fully harnessed and unhindered. As the Run Star Trainer sees Converse take on an all-new style unlike anything they have ever showcased before, innovation is at the forefront of their new collection. With this, Converse boldly reinvents themselves while still maintaining the very core of who they are – much like how Juan Karlos continues to be an artistic game-changer with his ever-evolving brand of music, embodying the spirit of rock in whatever musical endeavor he takes on.

Photography by Kimmeth Nicolas


The Converse Run Star Trainer is now available nationwide via Converse Philippines.

Photography by Kimmeth Nicolas. Creative direction by Nicole Almero.