The campaign, created by New York-based agency Anomaly, is called "connectivity" and aims to celebrate 100 years of "disrupting the status quo".
It features icons from the worlds of music, art, sport and fashion in homage to the Chuck Taylor All Star shoe. Print, outdoor and digital ads are being rolled out in more than 75 countries around the world.
Legendary icons from the past star in the campaign, including Gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson, 20th century rebel James Dean, and Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious; they connect with today's stars, including rocker Joan Jett, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong and basketball player Dwyane Wade.
The ads are completely shot in monochrome with hand painted straplines and logo placement.
The campaign also features country-specific icons including Joy Division vocalist Ian Curtis and editor Jefferson Hack for the UK.
Geoff Cottrill, chief marketing officer at Converse, said: "Converse is the footwear company that was first in sports and first in rock 'n' roll. We are extremely proud of our history and excited about our journey into the next century.
"The campaign is bold and iconic saluting those people -- past and present -- who push the boundaries of creativity, who inspire originality and who embody the values of the brand."