From the Windy City to the runway, Don C can be found in every streetwear, sneaker, and music niche. Whether through his sneaker creations and collaborations, his Just Don label, or even his influence in the music industry, Don C has effectively transcended style, music, sneakers, and culture.
It’s been a decade since Don C launched into the fashion world with his streetwear & sports-inspired Just Don label. Now, the Chi-Town legend and Foot Locker have announced the “All City” by Just Don collection, exclusively available at Foot Locker. The “All City” collection is just as accessible as it is high-quality by carrying the same principles of sport and culture that are rooted in the renowned Just Don label.
“Like Foot Locker, Don C is deeply committed to the young, diverse communities we serve,” said Bryon Milburn, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Foot Locker. “He is at the forefront of modern culture and fashion, and by lending his taste, care, and craft to the All City by Just Don line at Foot Locker, we’re able to further connect to the next generation of streetwear enthusiasts.”
The “All City” by Just Don collection features apparel ranging from $55 to $195. All pieces will be available in sizes S through XXL both at FootLocker.com and at select Foot Locker locations across the United States and Canada.
Learn what Don C said about the collection below and what’s in-store with Just Don and Foot Locker.
SoleSavy: Nearly everyone who’s into sneakers has a Foot Locker moment, whether working there or buying shoes at a young age. You’ve talked about your early memories with Foot Locker, and now you’re releasing an entire line with them. What’s it like to have this full-circle moment?
Don C: It’s dope to talk about it right now because it’s like pinching myself to let me know it’s real. Sometimes when things are happening and moving so fast, you get caught up in it you don’t reflect and enjoy it. But getting the chance to pause and think and talk about it, it’s surreal.
I mention to everyone that Foot Locker is such a huge staple in our community. To me, Foot Locker is one of the largest staples in sneaker culture.
We’ve been developing this relationship for quite a number of years, from my first Jordan purchase to working with people at the brand through commercials, spots, and doing campaigns. I’ve always had a great relationship with everyone I’ve worked with there, specifically Richie Cruz and Jason Brown. These are guys with who I’ve been building for years. This is a great opportunity for me, and I appreciate it. I don’t want to take it for granted. Talking about it allows me actually to refract and not take it for granted. A lot of things be happening: I’ve had a Jordan, and I’ve had a Nike. These are things I don’t want to take for granted.
I want to celebrate it and message it positively, to give other people encouragement that they can also do it or do anything they want to do.
SS: You mentioned the importance of Foot Locker when it comes to culture and community. What’s it like to have a supportive partner in Foot Locker to give you the platform to create a collection that taps into authenticity through product and storytelling?
Don C: It means so much.
Sport and street and sneaker culture will be a part of anything I do — even a juice brand. That’s what I am. The collection is about acknowledging and appreciating that, even for those who might not come up from that. I’m putting out principles that can be put out in any arena.
I’m not removed from the neighborhood; I’m not removed from friends going through real things. Sometimes I’m going through real things. I don’t like putting negative energy out there, but I do feel like I have to tell these stories to let people know I’m not just skating in the park. This is hard work. It’s important to show the audience and the community to be the same. I’m not looking down on anybody. I’m on the same plane as anybody else.
Sometimes that message gets mixed when we’re doing luxury products, or we’re doing fashion. We separate out of the anxiousness and excitement. We message a lot of “oh, you don’t have this yet.” We all do it. I’m guilty of it. But I check myself to make sure everything I’m doing is welcoming. Every messaging I’m putting out there lets people know that they can be involved, and it’s never about teasing anybody. If I’m showing something, it’s only to show encouragement, or joy, or inspiration — it’s never trying to say that I’m better or that I have some advantage.
That’s s what I want everything to be about; welcoming. Full participation by anyone who wants to be involved and even those who might be labeled as “uncool.” You’re cool over here. I welcome people that make mistakes. Redemption is one of the best moments in the world. Jesus was willing to risk the 99 sheep to find the one lost one. That’s how important it is for me when people make a mistake. They’re more important than the people with you. If they’re with you, they’re with you. If they’re lost, we got to get them. We have to help them and bring them back to the mix.
SS: How does this partnership push the envelope for not just you or Foot Locker but streetwear and sneaker culture as a whole?
Don C: I want to influence and encourage people positively. This is a model that I think people are going to copy.
Imagine if designers could focus and give a concentrated collection to a retailer who can really get it out there with messaging. I’m not trying to aggregate competition, but I am saying that it will inspire others to follow suit and maybe even do it on a grander scale.
SS: People can get Just Don anywhere now with the help of Foot Locker. How important is that?
Don C: That’s a lot of the feedback I’ve been getting. A lot of my friends are like, “yo, I can’t find this pair of shorts.”
I was in Canada recently, and the customs agent told me he’s been trying to get the [Toronto] Raptors shorts for three years. That’s the hard work behind having an independent brand.
That’s why I applaud Foot Locker for believing in me and partnering with me because they’re giving me resources way beyond my reach. I want to give them the sauce that they might be missing. It’s a good moment for both of us.
SS: What do you hope people take away from this collection, and what more can we expect from this partnership down the road?
Don C: I appreciate everyone giving the collection a shot. Go to Foot Locker; feel it, let me know what it’s like. Give me constructive criticism if there’s something you don’t like. We want to roll it out more — grow more categories; grow the messaging. We want people to see that we’re trying to welcome anybody who wants to be involved in this.
We’re going to keep pushing principles that we want the community to follow. It’s going to be about empathy; it’s going to be about sharing; it’s going to be about caring; it’s about pushing positivity. That’s what we need.
There are so many negative things happening. It discourages me sometimes. We have to keep going. And with Foot Locker, we’re going to keep going. It can be about eating good or treating people good. Whatever it is, we’re going to be inclusive with our positive messaging.
I’m here to remind everyone that we’re all good, we’re all positive, and that we’re going to do the right thing. But we need reminders. We write things down when we go to the grocery store even though we know these things. So why not write down how we’re supposed to treat each other? Write it down. We forget these things because we think we know, but when we go to the grocery store, we just forget. There’s a lot of other stuff going on.
I’m all about constantly reminding people of this good stuff.
Be sure to shop the “All City” by Just Don collection on FootLocker.com and select Foot Locker locations. Stay tuned to SoleSavy for more sneaker-related news from your favorite brands, retailers, and designers, including Don C and Foot Locker.
