NBA names legendary streetwear designer Don C ‘Creative Strategy and Design Advisor’

The Chicago Bulls on Wednesday announced that Don C., a Chicago native and prominent streetwear designer, will join the team as Creative Strategy and Design Advisor.

Don C. (Don Crawley) will work with the team on a variety of projects and initiatives, including immersive experiences, fan engagement, digital content, retail products, youth programming, and community outreach, in his new job, which is a first for the Bulls organization.

Don C., who was born and raised on Chicago's southside, has become a household name in the industry of music and professional basketball as one of the most important streetwear designers. He first gained fame when he co-founded RSVP Gallery, a conceptual retail experience, and then went on to develop his own luxury sportswear line, ‘Just Don’. Since its start in 2011, ‘Just Don’ has partnered with brands such as Jordan, Nike, Converse, Levi's, and Mitchell & Ness to create some of the most desired releases.

Don C's employment is reminiscent to Daniel Arsham's work with the Cavs, in that the designer serves as a brand ambassador for the team, with responsibilities that include immersive experiences, retail products, and community involvement, among other things, according to the Bulls.

The legendary designer and the team will be in charge of projects and activities such as immersive experiences, fan engagement, digital content, retail products, youth programs, community outreach, and much more, under their new title.

“Don is a true leader in the creative industry, a native Chicagoan who operates at the intersection of sports, culture and innovation,” said Susan Goodenow, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Chicago Bulls, according to the NBA. “His unique skillset, interests and creativity have established him as a culture setter across the worlds of fashion, sports, and music. The Bulls have been very intentional about building relationships across the Chicago creative community, and through our work with Don we will look to take these efforts to the next level. We look forward to partnering with Don to create deeper relationships with our fan base in new and previously unimagined ways.”

Don's lifelong love affair with the Bulls began as a child on Chicago's South Side, when he and his father would watch games from the second balcony of Chicago Stadium on "$2 Tuesday" nights. As a designer, he saw the Bulls were more than simply his hometown basketball team; they were also a brand with the ability to connect with supporters all around the world. As he grew older, his passion for sports and hip-hop seamlessly flowed into his projects and collaborations with companies like Jordan Brand, the NBA, and Foot Locker. Don, a husband and father of three, now sees the Bulls as a generational bridge, passing on his passion for the team to his children as his father did to him.

Don C. will be able to continue one of his favorite childhood traditions with his children while also combining music and fashion with the Bulls' culture to reach fans all around the world.

“There are few things I have loved as long as I have loved the Bulls. It’s a dream come true to be able to combine my passion as a fan and my passion as a creative to help this legendary franchise to tap into the culture around the game,” said Don C.  “Our goal will be to deepen connections with fans and make an impact in their lives. This isn’t just about designing merch, but combining bigger things like music, lifestyle and fashion to represent the Bulls as both an NBA team and a global brand. I can’t wait to work with their talented team of people.”