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Following Astroworld, Nike has postponed the release of its Travis Scott shoe collaboration. Photo: TNS
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Nike pauses Travis Scott collaboration following Astroworld deaths and mounting lawsuits – will Dior do the same?

  • Nike is postponing the launch of the Air Max 1 × Cactus Jack, a pair of US$175 sneakers created in collaboration with Travis Scott after music festival deaths
  • The US rapper also has an upcoming collaboration with Dior – the brand’s artistic director Kim Jones worked with Scott for its summer 2022 men’s collection
Fashion
Tribune News Service
Tribune News Service
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Nike has paused plans to release its latest shoe collaboration with Travis Scott after 10 people died at the rapper’s Astroworld Festival and mounting lawsuits.

The footwear giant sent out a statement on its sneaker release website, SNKRS, notifying fans of the decision on November 15.

“Out of respect for everyone impacted by the tragic events at the Astroworld Festival, we are postponing the launch of the Air Max 1 × Cactus Jack,” the update reads.

There was no information provided about a new release date.

Nike and Scott’s Cactus Jack Records created the Air Max 1 x Cactus Jack, a pair of brown Air Max 1′s.
For its newest partnership, Nike and Scott’s Cactus Jack Records created the Air Max 1 x Cactus Jack, a pair of brown Air Max 1s, with a release date set for December 16.

“The Air Jordan I celebrates Travis Scott, hip hop artist, record label founder and Houston, Texas native,” reads a description of the US$175 sneakers on Nike’s website. “Details on the shoe, including a reverse Swoosh and hidden pouch, help set this edition of the storied sneaker apart for the rapper and producer, and for Cactus Jack Records.”

Scott at the Dior menswear spring/summer 2022 show on June 25, 2021 in Paris. Photo: Getty Images

Scott, 30, reportedly also had a set of Nike Air Trainer 1s and new Air Jordan 1 Lows in the works for months.

Nike is not the only major global brand to have collaborated with Scott. Dior’s artistic director Kim Jones collaborated with the American rapper for its summer 2022 men’s collection. It was the first time Dior had created a full collection with a musician.

After the Astroworld tragedy “this icon to Gen Z now has effectively detonated in your face”, one expert told music publication Rolling Stone. “It’s an apocalyptic marketing turn.”

A look from the Dior spring/summer 2022 collection.

The delay of the Nike shoe release follows the death of 10 concertgoers and injuries to hundreds more after a crowd surge during Scott’s performance at the annual Astroworld festival at Houston’s NRG Park in the US state of Texas on November 5.

A group of lawyers announced last week they represent more than 200 Astroworld victims and have filed more than 90 lawsuits against Scott, promoter Live Nation and others involved in the event.

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