Nike Accused of Misusing Image of Venetian Gondoliers Nike Air Max Dn 8 in From Venice to London advertising campaign
11.06.2025 1064

Nike Accused of Misusing Image of Venetian Gondoliers

A dispute has erupted in Italy over Nike advertising. The American brand's advertising photo shoot features shots of Venice gondoliers wearing Nike Air Max Dn 8 sneakers. Such images were used in the brand's From Venice to London campaign.

The Italian Association of Gondoliers of Venice (Gondolieri di Venezia) was outraged by this fact. Since according to the contract, all gondoliers who are members of the association are required to wear shoes of the KEHNOO x Fly collaboration “Keh-noo for Venice”. The case may go to court, - writes La Conceria.

KEHNOO x Fly “Keh-noo for Venice” KEHNOO x Fly “Keh-noo for Venice”

In a joint press release, the Venice Gondoliers Association and Fly oppose “the advertising campaign circulated on social networks by Nike Italy, which wrongfully linked the name and image of Venetian gondoliers with Nike footwear.”

The association and the shoe factory consider the message that Venetian gondoliers use Nike shoes to be misleading. Since the associated gondoliers use Fly shoes exclusively. This is established in the licensing agreement of April last year between the association itself, "the sole representative of the category of gondoliers of Venice", and the company "Al Duca d'Aosta", which in turn has concluded an exclusive sublicensing agreement with Fly for the production, marketing and supply of "Keh-noo for Venice" shoes.

But there is one detail. The Nike adverts do not feature gondoliers, but sandolisti, or sandolo boat drivers. Gondolas and sandoli are both traditional Venetian boats, but they have some significant differences that are not known to the general public. In the Nike adverts, sandolisti are mistakenly identified as gondoliers. However, Fly and the Venice Gondoliers Association say they will vigorously defend their rights and image in all instances.

Marina Shumilina

Subscribe and follow the Shoes Report news in our official Telegram channel   

A controversy has erupted in Italy over a Nike advert. The American brand's advertising photo shoot features shots of Venice gondoliers wearing Nike Air Max Dn 8 sneakers.…
5
1
Rating

Latest News

US May Impose 50% Tariff on Brazilian Exports

The US threat to impose a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports from August 1 is putting pressure on shoe companies that produce shoes in Brazil, writes…
11.07.2025 57

Sportmaster sues Kari

Sportmaster is suing Kari, according to information from the Arbitration Court's card index, for violating exclusive rights to a trademark. In March, the sports goods chain filed a claim for 1,3 million rubles in the Moscow Arbitration Court, and the hearing…
11.07.2025 73

Fly on Euro Shoes

Fly, a regular participant in the Euro Shoes shoe exhibition, is preparing to present new collections of its brands at the August exhibition in Moscow – Italian W6YZ, French Laura Vita, Spanish Pitas and…
11.07.2025 91

Multi-brand store chain Hiker has launched a dacha advertising campaign

The heroes of the Hiker campaign, entitled “The Shape of Your Freedom,” were the retailer’s customers, who were photographed wearing clothes and shoes that they had purchased in Hiker stores in a country-style…
10.07.2025 207

Christian Louboutin Releases Capsule Collection of Cassia Lace Up Shoes in Nude Shades

French designer Christian Louboutin picked up the ballet shoe trend with the release of the Cassia Lace Up shoes. These high-heeled shoes have a square “pointe” toe and ribbons that tie at the…
10.07.2025 210
When you sign up, you will receive weekly news and articles about the shoe business on your e-mail.

To the beginning