As temperatures finally dipped below 70 degrees and night began to settle over Los Angeles, an unassuming yet charming IYKYK wine bar opened its doors for an evening that felt quietly momentous.
Nestled inside a Chinatown plaza, Café Triste became the backdrop for an intimate dinner hosted by Highsnobiety and adidas Originals, where fashion, music, and creative instinct converged with the kind of ease that can only really be experienced on the West Coast. This was not a loud announcement or a hard sell, and it certainly didn’t resemble your typical sneaker release party. Instead, the night unfolded as a knowing reveal, shared among people who help guide culture long before it reaches the mainstream.
From the moment guests arrived, the elevated locale radiated with warmth. Thoughtfully arranged tablescapes decorated the interior as embellished wine glasses were filled again…and again. Familiar faces and LA insiders, including Denzel Dion, Harry Daniels, and musical artist BKTHERULA, filed into the restaurant and quickly claimed their seats.
Plates of tuna crudo and vibrant seasonal salads circulated, courtesy of chef Brittany Chumly, who also held down aux duties for the night — a role she executed flawlessly. Conversation flowed, glasses clinked, and the atmosphere remained subtly charged, almost as if there was a collective understanding from everyone that they were witnessing something special take shape in real time. And at the night’s center, joining the group together, was the adidas Originals adistar XLG.
The sneaker’s design ethos is meant to be experienced rather than announced. Passed between glances and side chats, the shoe struck a balance that resonated deeply with the crowd. It nods to adidas’ heritage while confidently pushing forward — refined without losing its edge. Guests understood they were getting an early look at the silhouette that would soon take the spotlight through a larger campaign fronted by platinum-selling rapper BigXThaPlug. For the moment, though, the story belonged entirely to the room.
As dinner progressed, the energy quietly shifted. Utensils were set down, eyes lifted, and the hum of conversation tightened into anticipation as BKTHERULA took the floor. Her performance cut through the space with raw intensity, electrifying the private setting and commanding full attention. The contrast between Café Triste’s laid-back ardor and her magnetic presence created an unmistakably LA aura — the kind of moment when inspiration spreads quickly. Not long after, Daniels, known for his own impromptu musical performances in front of celebrities, followed the spark and launched into a Drake rendition that had the room laughing, singing along, and briefly considering a karaoke session.
As the night stretched on, conversations resurfaced with renewed vigor. Old friends reconnected, new relationships sparked, and the adistar XLG continued to quietly anchor the room, reaffirming why everyone had gathered in the first place.
Outside, black Escalades circled the block, lining the street as guests prepared for whatever the rest of the night might hold. Inside, the experience felt complete. Highsnobiety and adidas created a space where culture could simply exist, breathe, and move forward naturally.
