Nike Accused of Misusing Image of Venetian Gondoliers Nike Air Max Dn 8 in From Venice to London advertising campaign
11.06.2025 2577

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

The Ekonika flagship store has opened on Patriarch's Ponds.

The long-awaited Ekonika flagship store opened on Malaya Bronnaya, in the capital's most fashionable spot, Patriarch's Ponds. The retailer prepared customers for the opening in advance, whetting their appetite with publications in…
05.06.2026 519

Russian footwear brand Hikes has released two collaborations – with Krakatau and Street Beat.

Both Hikes collaborations promote the Marble clog, released in different prints. Both are accompanied by promotional photo shoots and vibrant in-store presentations aimed at a youthful audience…
05.06.2026 567

Dior strengthens its presence in the Brazilian market

French fashion house Dior is strengthening its position in the Brazilian market and has confirmed the opening of a new boutique in São Paulo.
04.06.2026 660

Manolo Blahnik unveiled a sleek shoe collection in collaboration with Emilia Wickstead.

British luxury brand Manolo Blahnik has released a capsule shoe collection in collaboration with Emilia Wickstead, a New Zealand-born fashion designer based in London. The designers have partnered with luxury marketplace Net-a-porter, where…
03.06.2026 777

New Italian shoe brand PANCHIC at Euro Shoes

PANCHIC is an Italian shoe brand whose name translates as "affordable chic." Characterized by style, functionality, and comfort: an orthopedic last, a shock-absorbing sole, and Italian…
03.06.2026 830
When you sign up, you will receive weekly news and articles about the shoe business on your e-mail.

To the beginning