Inside our Sneaker Week PDX event

Over the weekend, sneaker enthusiasts gathered in Portland’s vibrant West End to be part of a special moment: In Conversation with Wilson Smith III, Jon Wexler and Bimma Williams. The event, held in celebration of Sneaker Week PDX’s theme of leaders and legends, promised intimate dialogues with industry icons, and it certainly delivered. 

Kicking off the afternoon was a last-minute addition to the line-up – Wilson Smith III, the legendary Nike footwear designer. With his famous Uptempo design illustrated behind him, Smith engaged in a captivating conversation led by Williams, host of the acclaimed Claima Stories podcast. Throughout this discussion, attendees gained insights into his creative process and heard about the stories behind his most celebrated designs, as well as his major influence on the sneaker landscape. The spotlight then turned to Wexler, a former adidas marketing executive who’s known for creating iconic collaborations with industry giants such as Kanye West and Beyoncé. Wexler’s role in creating the Yeezy brand and Ivy Park added an extra layer of industry expertise to the conversation. 

After the discussion, members headed to the ‘shoe-lewery’ bar, where they could customise their kicks with an array of charms. Speciality Soho House cocktails flowed, bites by Shake Shack satisfied hungry attendees, and Rev Shines – a local favourite DJ and fellow sneaker enthusiast – set the vibes. 

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