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Undefeated’s Summer Kick Down party and shoe drive

By Erin Weinger, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer It could have been any neighborhood block party in Anytown, USA, complete with good friends, a soft soul soundtrack and a heaping vat of creamy mac and cheese. Only instead of bringing Jell-O molds and town gossip, the guests at last Sunday's Summer Kick-Down party at Undefeated brought shoes — lots and lots of shoes. The La Brea Avenue shop, ground zero of sneaker culture, held a party/shoe drive benefiting the East Los Angeles Community Youth Center in its parking lot — which was paved over with AstroTurf, picnic tables and a fired-up barbecue. Unworn footwear replaced cost of admission and by dusk, dozens of sneakers dangled from the space's floating telephone lines. Nike, the event sponsor, matched each pair donated, bringing the total to more than 300 pairs of shoes. "Take a look around us. We're lucky," said artist Alexis Ross, a tall man who smiles to reveal several gleaming gold teeth. "People have shoes to give away." Stylish ones, at that. Aaron Rose, left, and Keith Wager under a sky of donated shoes at Undefeated’s Summer Kick Down party and shoe drive. The June 30 event benefited the East Los Angeles Community Youth Center.

By Erin Weinger, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

It could have been any neighborhood block party in Anytown, USA, complete with good friends, a soft soul soundtrack and a heaping vat of creamy mac and cheese. Only instead of bringing Jell-O molds and town gossip, the guests at last Sunday’s Summer Kick-Down party at Undefeated brought shoes — lots and lots of shoes.

The La Brea Avenue shop, ground zero of sneaker culture, held a party/shoe drive benefiting the East Los Angeles Community Youth Center in its parking lot — which was paved over with AstroTurf, picnic tables and a fired-up barbecue. Unworn footwear replaced cost of admission and by dusk, dozens of sneakers dangled from the space’s floating telephone lines. Nike, the event sponsor, matched each pair donated, bringing the total to more than 300 pairs of shoes.

“Take a look around us. We’re lucky,” said artist Alexis Ross, a tall man who smiles to reveal several gleaming gold teeth. “People have shoes to give away.” Stylish ones, at that.


Aaron Rose, left, and Keith Wager under a sky of donated shoes at Undefeated’s Summer Kick Down party and shoe drive. The June 30 event benefited the East Los Angeles Community Youth Center.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

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The La Brea Avenue shop collects shoes and parties heartily to aid the East Los Angeles Community Youth Center.

Shoe drive

Sonny Gerasimowicz, art director of the upcoming film “Where the Wild Things Are,” contributed a pair of “intense” red, white and blue suede gym shoes that resembled Fourth of July firecrackers. He also proved that a Marc Jacobs outfit and Armani leather lace-ups are perfectly suited for a parking lot.

Sonny Gerasimowicz, art director of the upcoming film “Where the Wild Things Are,” in a label-loving ensemble of Armani shoes, Burberry socks, an Yves Saint Laurent belt and a suit by Marc Jacobs purchased at Wasteland resale shop. “I tried it on and it fit,” he said.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Shoe drive

Michelle Wong, who donated some vintage lace Jordache high tops, wore her friend’s swimsuit cover-up — a “Don’t Mess With Texas” tank top bought for $3 — and a big, bohemian fringe purse. “You can never wear too much fringe,” she said. Her friend Sophie Schneider rolled her eyes: “I think you can.”

Michelle Wong, right, proves that price doesn’t influence style in friend Sophie Schneider’s $3 beach coverup and a thrift store-found fringe purse.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Shoe drive

Karen Kimmel, wife of Undefeated owner James Bond, wore a long black and white embroidered caftan she bought in Mexico. Her infant son, Ace, went preppy in a doll-sized Polo shirt and, taking a cue from his father, a pair of electric blue gym shoes.

The party also marked the launch of a collaboration between the Gents social club, Nike and Undefeated: A $28 black and metallic gold T-shirt with “Solid Gold” across the back. Most of the Gents in attendance wore a version with “Gents of Desire” on the back. Luckily, red pants, fedoras and more tattoos than Hollywood Boulevard on a Saturday night let members keep their individuality, living up to one of the seven sacred club mottos: Keep off the bandwagon.

Tanya Cerda with her bike, which she rode to the event.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Shoe drive

Erik Brunetti, wife Emmelie and daughter Bella in Undefeated’s back parking lot, which had been outfitted with AstroTurf, picnic tables and a fired-up barbecue.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Shoe drive

Never too many shoes: Nike, the event sponsor, matched each pair donated, bringing the day’s total to more than 300 pairs.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Shoe drive

Stylist Aimee Acord in a vintage poncho and flats by Marc Jacobs. Her dog Lewis wears a coat of his own design.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Shoe drive

Songwriter Whitey White has a decidedly L.A. style.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Shoe drive

Gabrielle Rivera, left, and Mona Smith.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Shoe drive

Candy Drewsen, left, a stylist, with Puddle of Mudd guitarist Christian Stone.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Shoe drive

Jeff Johnsen, left, Adrian Howard and Aaron Rose, the art curator responsible for Undefeated’s distinctive La Brea Avenue billboards.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

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