Converse Backs KidSuper's People's Runway at NYFW
KidSuper founder Colm Dillane launched The People's Runway for its second year, a deliberate counterweight to fashion week's exclusivity. Held at Brooklyn's Borough Hall, the event positioned emerging designers center stage with support from Converse and a lineup that included performances from Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill.
By Marcus Chen
Fashion weeks are typically gatekept affairs—invite lists curated, seating charts weaponized, and emerging talent left to fight for even peripheral visibility on the official calendar. KidSuper's second iteration of The People's Runway, held in 2025 at Brooklyn's Borough Hall, functioned as a deliberate rejection of that model.
Founder Colm Dillane framed the event as a platform transfer rather than a vanity project. By leveraging KidSuper's established industry position, the evening elevated five emerging labels: Tender Armor, Forms of Water, LEGACY, Gettin' Fly, and iDEK (I Don't Even Know). The designers' on-feet presence was unified through Converse's Chuck Taylor Throwback silhouette, signaling both accessibility and shared aesthetic grounding.
Converse's partnership with the event extended beyond footwear placement. Alongside Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and additional sponsors, the brand provided direct support for the evening's programming and participating designers—a structural commitment that distinguished this from typical brand activations.
Cultural Momentum
The evening's attendee roster amplified KidSuper's cultural pull. Performers included Wyclef Jean and a closing appearance from Lauryn Hill, while the audience drew figures across music, sports, and entertainment—Joey Bada$$, Fabolous, Wale, Jim Jones, Serge Ibaka, NLE Choppa, and athletes Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos among them. The caliber of presence underscored that The People's Runway had become a cultural moment rather than a niche industry event.
KidSuper's existing partnership ecosystem—currently active collaborations with PUMA and BAPE—positions the brand as a meaningful collaborator across multiple tiers of the market. Converse's involvement opens a question already circulating: whether a KidSuper x Converse collaboration might follow. The brand's track record suggests such moves are deliberate rather than immediate, but the foundation appears set.
The Bigger Picture
The People's Runway operates in a specific moment for fashion and sneaker culture. As gatekeeping has become increasingly visible—and increasingly criticized—brands that visibly redistribute access gain both cultural credibility and strategic positioning. Converse's involvement signals that major footwear houses recognize this shift and are willing to back platforms that democratize visibility.
Dillane's framing of the event as a "salve" to fashion week's exclusionary mechanics speaks to a larger industry reckoning. For emerging designers, the barrier to official calendar placement remains formidable. A second-year runway dedicated to alternative pathways suggests the model is gaining traction—and that established players like Converse see value in being part of that evolution.
FAQs
What is The People's Runway?
The People's Runway is an annual event created by KidSuper founder Colm Dillane to provide emerging designers with high-visibility showcase opportunities outside the traditional fashion week gatekeeping system. The 2025 edition marked its second year and featured five emerging brands performing at Brooklyn's Borough Hall.
Why did Converse partner with KidSuper for this event?
Converse provided support to The People's Runway as part of a broader partnership with the event and its participating designers. The collaboration positioned Converse's Chuck Taylor Throwback model as the on-feet standard for the evening's runway presentations.
Is a KidSuper x Converse collaboration coming?
No official collaboration has been announced. KidSuper currently maintains active partnerships with PUMA and BAPE, though the brand's involvement with Converse at The People's Runway has led to speculation about potential future designs.
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Release Info
Event: The People's Runway (2025, second annual edition)
Location: Brooklyn's Borough Hall, Brooklyn, NY
Featured Footwear: Converse Chuck Taylor Throwback
Designers: Tender Armor, Forms of Water, LEGACY, Gettin' Fly, iDEK (I Don't Even Know)
Partners: Converse, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, additional sponsors
Status: Event concluded; no retail release associated with the runway itself
