On Thursday, May 29, we joined celebrate sneaker brand Converse at the special launch event of the highly anticipated Converse CONS Weapon Sneaker Collection at Goodfellas Gallery in downtown Toronto. The event featured an up close look at the new compilation of five premium, lifestyle and skate sneakers, designed with new streamlined silhouettes and details that enhance all the sneaker’s light and edgy look. Converse’s very own Vice President of Marketing for Canada, Marciano Lobo, and Converse CONS Design Director, Chris Law, introduced the new collection to the gathered crowd taste-makers, influencers and media types gathered from around the continent.
After the Converse CONS Weapon presentation, a very special series of performances took place in the beyond intimate space by rapper Vince Staples, hip-hop artist El-P, and legendary rapper Ghostface Killah with Sheek Louch from The Lox. It was a musical experience for the ages. Seeing Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch perform classic Wu-Tang and Lox tracks, a mere three feet away was definitely a treat. However, it was a pleasant surprise to be introduced to new-comer Vince Staples, who coming all the way from Long Beach, brought a special Westcoast flavour that is always appreciated. After he dropped his verse from the smash hit “Nate“, it was plain to see why he was included on this years XXL Freshmen Class list. El-P’s set was dope, obviously, dude has skill and a self-reflectivity that so few have in hip hop. Consequently, it seemed to bother him the most that he was performing for a small crowd of “Cool Guys” who were mostly there for the free beer, and to see Ghostface. Luckily he rolled with the punches, made fun of himself and the crowd while performing “Full Retard“.
Overall it was an incredible night of amazing music and amazing sneakers. Converse sure knows how to throw a party.
Converse CONS Weapon sneaker collection launches all throughout the summer, culminating in August. Be sure to keep your eye open for them at your local stockists. In the meantime, take a look through the pictures below.
Vince Staples
EL-P
Sheek Louch
Ghostface Killah
