Alfred Anderson | Staff Writer

Saturday, at the first annual N.C. State Sneaker Summit, connoisseurs of all ages gathered to buy, sell and trade the hottest shoes on the market. Hosted by the Black Students Board, the summit took place in the Carmichael Playzone and attracted vendors from around the Triangle.

Chelsea Pearson, a senior in Business Administration and Chisom Anen, a senior in Biological Sciences, partnered with BSB to plan and host the event.

Though sneaker summits have been held at N.C. State in the past, Pearson and Anen thought that it would be beneficial for BSB to produce a consistent event for students and other to display their kicks. “It took a lot of planning,” said Pearson, “In previous years no one really knew who was responsible for hosting the Sneaker Summits and we wanted to do them again.” Anen wanted to bring the event to N.C. State because of the growing influence of sneaker culture. “It’s a new and growing movement and I think it’s important to showcase N.C. State students.”

In addition to shoes, vendors also had clothing on display. The Movement Merchandising, cherryDOTdork, Nyla Elise Clothing and Backstabbers Clothing were all present. “As a former N.C. State student, it’s nice to come back and be apart of something like this. It’s a great way to get the word out about up and coming designers in the Triangle, espeicaly those that may be students,” said N.C. State graduate and president of cherryDOTdork, Johnathan Roberts.

Ricky Moore, founder of Nyla Elise Clothing, was also excited to be a part of the event. A fast growing clothing brand based in Durham, Nyla Elise Clothing is named after Moore’s daughter and was founded four years ago. The brand has since been seen on celebrities such as Kevin Hart, Wale and Kerry Washington. “I like doing events like these. Summits are a good way to meet new people and show your products to new people,” said Moore.

The Movement Merchandising was voted as having the “best table” at the summit, and its founder, Arlan Wallace, an N.C. State student won two tickets to see Macklemore and Ryan Lewis at the PNC arena on Nov. 19.

Pearson, Anen and members of BSB believe the success of this year’s summit is an indicator of its future at N.C. State.