Converse Pro Leather

Reimagining an Icon Through Craft, Culture, Creativity

For Converse’s Pro Leather revival, we reframed this heritage basketball icon as a modern expression of self-authorship by enlisting five cultural trailblazers—IDK, Paloma Elsesser, Kelly Oubre Jr., Natasha Cloud, and Sage Elsesser—to personify our rallying cry: “Don’t be the next. Be the first.” On launch day, each game-changer premiered bespoke lookbook videos and imagery across their social channels, igniting organic buzz, driving exceptional sell-through rates, and cementing Pro Leather’s status as a coveted cultural staple.

BE the first

Dr. J was FIRST to dunk from the free-throw line; FIRST to lace Pro Leathers into a style statement; FIRST to amplify his community’s voice; and FIRST to live the ‘Be the First’ ethos—anchoring the campaign in his trailblazing legacy.

First Verse Visionary

IDK embodies “Be the First” with bold lyricism and custom Pro Leather visuals—premiering exclusive lookbook videos and social content that challenge genre norms, spark self-expression, and rally a new generation of style pioneers.

First Curve Champion

Paloma Elsesser embodied “Be the First,” reshaping Pro Leather’s story through inclusive fashion. She premiered bespoke lookbook videos celebrating body diversity, confidence, and fearless style—rallying communities to pioneer authentic self-expression.

First Court Maverick

Kelly Oubre Jr. lived the “Be the First” ethos by debuting Pro Leather on and off the court in high-energy lookbook videos. His fearless play and signature style challenged performance norms and inspired fans to pioneer their own game-day flair.

First Court Advocate

Natasha Cloud embodied “Be the First” by headlining Pro Leather lookbooks that blend her on-court prowess with social advocacy—championing mental health, community empowerment, and fearless style to inspire fans to lead with purpose.

First Cultural Catalyst

Sage Elsesser embodied “Be the First” in Pro Leather lookbooks merging skate culture, street art, and multidisciplinary creativity—crafting a fresh blueprint for self-expression and inspiring fans to pioneer their own fearless style.

Iconic Leather Reborn

Pro Leather is the original hoops icon reborn for modern pioneers—its premium leather, timeless silhouette, and adaptive fit embody “Be the First,” inviting every wearer to write their own legacy in style and performance.