CROOKED TONGUES - CONFEDERATION OF VILLAINY
The Crooked Tongues x New Balance pack could be one of the most easily recognized and one of the hardest packs to complete, which goes without saying being that each pair was limited to 1 of 99. The pack consists of 4 different models; 575, 577, 991, and 1500.
For those that do not know the history behind this pack and how it got its clever name; here is a short rundown...
The 'Confederation of Villainy' paid homage to memorable villains in history.
'Black Bart' 575: Gentleman robber of the Old West
'Black Sword' 577: Chinese bandit
'Black Tom' 991: Feared highwayman
'Blackbeard' 1500: Pirate who scourged the seas
The artwork on the special edition boxes were done by tattoo artist/graphic designer; BJ Betts in collaboration with Chris Law who’s objective was to carry out the story by Crooked Tongues’ Gary Warnett (Rest in Peace). If you ask me, this could be the best packaging EVER for a pair of shoes. We will touch back on this subject later in the post.
It has been said that if we desire more then we acquire more; I can vouch for this quote when it comes to this sought after pack because after I acquired the 575 (special box), I knew I was going to be in trouble because I'd need to complete the pack. Maybe it's an OCD thing...I don't know haha.
It seemed to be a pattern, that after a years time I'd find a pair from the pack and in my size with the special packaging. I did find a few a long the way, but I desired the artist edition boxes, and with good reason....Just look at them!
My favorite and probably the hardest to locate would be the 991. Most know that my favorite color is green, so even if I didn't complete the pack, but had the 991 then I'd be satisfied. If you had to pick just 1 from this pack, what would it be?
After acquiring all 4 of the pack, there was only one more thing left to do to truly make this complete, and that was to meet BJ Betts and have him sign the boxes.
I made contact with BJ via Instagram, and made plans to meet him the next time he'd be out in the SF Bay Area of Cali, but sadly it wasn't going to be for around 8 months from the time I DM'd him. Month after month I waited patiently for the tattoo expo he was attending to land in my region. October came around, and it just so happened to land the day after my birthday. How perfect is that? My lady and I did our rounds through the expo before finding BJ's booth...When we approached his table he was selling some of his artwork to some fans. I made my presence known, shook his hand then conversation began...
BJ offered me a seat while he began signing! We chopped it up on how the pack came to be, his involvement with it, and the fall of Crooked Tongues.
Though he looked intimidating, and I was beyond nervous...the short time I spent with BJ was exceptional. Obviously we mainly spoke about NB and other footwear, but also touched on his town of Philly and how my lady and I plan to make a trip out to visit. It's not often people of status respond, let alone coordinate a meeting through social media, so for BJ to do that for me and complete this pack by adding his signature to his artwork means a great deal. BJ if you read this...thank you! It was awesome meeting you that day! I hope to come out your way soon!
High resolution photos by: @tyleraustrie
January 2022:
I had the privilege of not only meeting Chris Law but also having him refer me to JET Motors, which is where I purchased my first classic Mini. Prior to this meeting, Chris and I conversed seldom via Instagram, it wasn’t until I was a Mini owner that we now talk more frequent. Cars and shoes bring people together. Chris was very down to earth and welcoming so I felt inclined to ask if he’d like to pair his signature next to BJ Betts’ on my CT x NB box collection. Without hesitation Chris accepted. Naturally though I don’t just have a box made for four pairs of shoes laying around so I had to wait, and it was a good thing I did because I was also able to communicate with Charlie (3rd of the 4 involved with this pack) who just so happened to live fairly close to Chris. Charlie also agreed to sign the boxes and coordinated with me the next time he’d be visiting Chris. I got the word, packed the boxes and sent them off…a few days later these pictures arrived in my DM’s!
With the passing of Gary Warnett the signatures of all involved will sadly never be completed, but his legacy will live on. Sean is the last of the 4 needed, but lives in HK at the moment so I don’t foresee his signature being that obtainable.
Fun facts for those interested: Here is each of the 4 names involved and what shoe was theirs to take the helm on:
BJ: 575 ‘Black Bart’
Chris: 991 ‘Black Tom’
Charlie: 1500 ‘Black Beard’
Sean: 577 ‘Black Sword’