The One Star returns along with the rise of four Malaysian anti-heroes of the youth. Each of the Converse chosen anti-heroes represents the behavior of counter-culture; impulsive, audacious and fearless, characteristics that resonate with the One Star spirit. Far from your typical social media influencers, thus they are Rated One Star, as in rated 1 out of 5 stars. The four anti-heroes come together to celebrate those that don’t care about what people think about them or rate them, they express the ethos of defying mainstream while rocking the Converse One Star resurgence in their own way.
In the realm of skateboarding, you may recognize Nizar Hashim aka Ja Chicken, local prominent skater who has been solidifying his mark in the skate scene. Nizar is rising to be an iconic figure as he advances the sport with his evidently unique approach on his deck. Growing up, his skateboarding obsession elevated for the past 16 years and counting. Back then, kids would be into athletic sports but he discovered skateboarding was his calling to be different than his peers. Nizar’s cutting-edge counter-culture attitude shares the same values as Converse which makes him ideal to front the Converse One Star.
Coming from humble beginnings, “I’m just a skater with dumb tricks,” Nizar shrugs. Nizar’s fiery passion and commitment led him to hold many accolades, earning titles over 80 competitions such as Game of Skate, Push Go Skate Day and many more skate competitions around the region. His proudest achievement yet was taking the throne of Asian Indo Games in 2013. “It’s not about winning, I join skate competitions just to have fun,” he stated.
Many trials and errors came with the roughness of this sport where he suffered through plenty of injuries yet it did not stop his drive to get back on the board. He now has a permanently broken pinky toe which affected his capabilities to execute tricks on big rails for months but he picked himself up and got back on his feet as soon as he could. He emphasized his point of wearing proper shoes to skate in to avoid injuries, that reason out why he has Converse beaters not only for the comfort needed on his deck but a style that is on the go.
The most crucial element of skateboarding for Nizar is one’s character on the skateboard, “A skater’s own individual approach become their defining characteristic.” Nizar’s distinctive skate style is conveyed through his sick skate tricks that in fact clearly expresses his unrelenting love and commitment for the sport, he possesses the mindset to master uncountable skate tricks whilst still having fun at acing them all.
Skater style has been a muse for fashion over the decades, the streetwear influence that stemmed from skateboarding culture has expanded all across the world following the establishment and progression of the sport. If you’ve seen any of his footage, you’re well aware that Nizar is one of the most stylish skateboarders around. Hence, his Instagram feed is filled with stellar OOTD shots exhibiting a style that reminiscence back in time, channeling a mix up of 80’s to 90’s skater style and rave culture.
Besides being one of the faces of Converse Rated One Star campaign for his definite sartorial flair, he has also popped up in multiple lookbooks for streetwear brands such as Crossover, adidas and many more. “Skate style is subjective, I just wear whatever I want,” he says while always effortlessly decked out in the most eye-catching persona.
It’s safe to say Nizar is setting a new standard that doesn’t care about the cliches which indeed separates himself far from being mainstream, with that said he accurately embodies the Rated One Star manifesto. Converse approves of Nizar momentum in striving to be different than what’s expected from society.
The Rated One Star campaign is in lieu of the One Star introduction by Converse Spring 2018 that takes cues from Tyler The Creator, GOLF Le FLEUR’s line. The Converse Spring 2018 collection renewed it’s icon status to release the classic One Star featuring an original Converse eye-popping bold print on a ‘hairy’ suede material. The Converse One Star 2018 collection is available at all Converse stores.
Meet Nizar, one of the four anti-heroes up close and personal as fans can witness them customizing the One Star shoe during the co-creation session that will be held at Sole What, The Gardens on the 15th March 2018, from 1PM to 6PM. They will stop by to make another appearance for a pop-up at Bookmark, APW Bangsar on the 22nd March 2018, from 1PM to 6PM.
