Let me start by saying, if you’re a sports fan but not into fashion I WOULD give you a pass on not knowing who Don C (Don Crawley) is. However unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m willing to bet you’re familiar with the fruits of his labor.
For the less informed out there, here’s some insight into the resume of The Chicago Bulls Creative Strategy and Design Advisor, Don C. Now don’t get me wrong music and fashion go hand in hand, but there’s not many that can dominate in every realm of everything Rap, Cap, and Kick related quite like Don. It was back in 2016 when Chance The Rapper rapped “I met Kanye West, I’m never going to fail!” on “Ultralight Beam” from Kanye’s The Life Of Pablo album. Around the same time another Chicagoan, who also happens to be the best friend of West, had the internet buzzing over his Just Don X Air Jordan collaboration. Talk about the friends you keep and the importance of a strong team. From Manager, to Record Executive, to world renowned Fashion Designer, all while being a best friend to a “Jeen-Yuhs”. It was a no brainer The Chicago Bulls organization collaborate with Don C. He’s been making noise since co-founding RSVP Gallery in 2009 with Late Great Virgil Abloh, followed by his independent brand Just Don in 2011. The collection is a Don’s visionary take on NBA jerseys, shorts, and fitted hats that includes his signatory Just Don branding.
With Don already having a relationship with Foot Locker with his launch of All City by Just Don, it shouldn’t be long before we begin to see the merchandising aspect of the collaboration hitting shelves. Although it’s possible its nothing more than billionaire talk, maybe Kanye isn’t bluffing when he rapped about buying the Chicago Bulls then going to link with Mike on Fivio Foreign’s “City Of Gods”. Could you imagine a Air Jordan X YEEZY X Just Don collab being on the way??? I mean, think about it The Chicago Bulls will forever be attributed to the meshing of sports and fashion thanks none other than the Icon himself Michael Jordan. The power house name “Air Jordan” is single-handedly the true bridge between Sports and Streetwear. Not only in Basketball, but expanding to every competing sports league with the Jordan Brand. Having an endorsement by the brand is one of biggest co-sign an athlete can receive. It’s a stamp of approval that only a handful of brands can provide. With DONDA sports releasing, anything is possible right? (fingers crossed). Since the roll Don C will take on is one that wasn’t an official title until now there isn’t any word on how long the relationship is set to last. However, with Don being involved from community outreach, to the merch’ he drops in the streets the amount of value he brings to the table is immense. Not just for The Chicago Bulls, but the entire City of Chicago. Here’s to Black Future Month!