There’s a quiet authority in the phrase, “What’s understood need not be explained.” Still, indulge me for a moment as we try to decode the indescribable: What makes the big city so alluring?
For some, it’s the brilliant neon-tinged glow that illuminates every inch and avenue or the breathtaking structures of steel and glass that climb into the sky until they disappear. For others, it’s the endless mosaic of faces, voices, and untold stories—a living rhythm that gives each street corner its own je ne sais quoi.
Whether tangible or intangible—trite or novel—a unifying ethos links all the points of intrigue associated with the urban expanse: a desire for exploration. Since the dawn of man, our insatiable curiosity has chased that something more—a broad longing for who knows what, exactly. Over time, this inexplicable urge led us out of the Stone Age and into the contemporary concrete jungle, where hunting and gathering gradually evolved into cross-industry networking and nonchalant loitering—among other, perhaps more adventurous pursuits.
As a mainstay in the running community, Brooks is as well-traveled as they come, constantly following that next horizon or unblazed path. Founded in Philadelphia and based in Seattle, the renowned footwear brand has conquered countless city blocks, embedding intention and innovation in every assured step (always put your best foot forward, right?).
On its latest trek, Brooks links up with cult icon Don C and his legacy brand, RSVP Gallery, in Chicago, to illustrate the thrumming pulse of the Midwest metropolis. Merging trailblazing technicality and unerring cultural credibility, the industry-defining duo debuts the Brooks x RSVP Gallery Caldera 8, a paragon of functional fashion. Marking the first joint effort between the pioneering run label and the heritage streetwear entity, this hybrid sneaker is the manifestation of two distinctive visions converging into one shared mission.
As an OG multi-hyphenate who has witnessed countless trends surge and shrink, Don C understands the difference between imitation and impact. Helping orchestrate some of the most prolific moments in culture over the last two decades, the Chi-town native is still eager to expand his perspective, using it as a way to maintain that refreshed edge he prides himself on.
“I like to do what’s unexpected. That’s kind of been my whole career,” Don shares from inside the RSVP Gallery office, headquartered in the city’s West Loop neighborhood.
When it’s unexpected, there are no expectations, which allows room to experiment and stretch things.
Coming up in the Windy City, the South Side product quickly developed an eye for the unseen, scouting burgeoning talent and budding movements long before the mainstream could grasp what was bubbling just beneath the surface. Leveraging this curatorial prowess—a coveted sixth sense—Don, along with his cast of equally influential peers, created, sustained, and amplified a new kind of community, one that unequivocally shaped today’s culture.
This dedication to the collective, one characterized by accessibility and growth, led the ambitious idealist to establish RSVP Gallery in 2009 with long-time friend and creative juggernaut Virgil Abloh, further bridging the gap between their Chicago roots and the high-end world that once excluded them.
“[RSVP] likes giving praise to those who deserve it. We’ve always been that way,” Don notes as he reminisces over the brand’s foundational days.
We recognize what’s best in class because ultimately, we’re interested in shifting the paradigm together as a community.
And when considering who has genuinely been able to shoulder the weight of being “best in class,” he doesn’t hesitate to acknowledge Brooks as the outright needle mover in its respective space. Commending the brand for consistently staying ahead of the curve when it comes to its cutting-edge running tech, Don sees this collaboration as a model reflection of the RSVP Gallery philosophy—fiercely inventive and culturally concise.
Turning the city streets into nascent trails, the custom Caldera 8 is at once a shoe that speaks to the refined practices Brooks has built its name on, while simultaneously representing the daring spirit leading the brand into uncharted and exciting territory. Designed with “intentionally unpolished” elements, as Don describes it, the new offering strikes a considered balance between thoughtful construction and tasteful aesthetic, telling a story through its details. The ashened mint hue, the camouflage-colored sole, and the subtle mountain-esque silhouettes give the sneaker an organic feel, while the dotted accents found on the DNA LOFT v3 midsole nod to the solid concrete that makes up the most notable urban playgrounds.
When asked about the inspiration behind the new Caldera’s design—conceptualized in partnership with designer Larry Tchogninou—Don’s response points to the versatile intent infused into the shoe. “Working with Brooks, we knew it wasn’t just about the looks. [The shoe] had to be functional above all else,” he admits. “In my mind, this is disruptive. We’re bringing Brooks to our audience, and we’re being introduced to theirs. We’re pushing each other in different ways.”
Captured through the lens of Julian Burgueño, the brainchild of Brooks x RSVP is seen in action, taking to the streets with audacious style. Pairing model, athlete, and activist Jordan Rand with stylist and moto enthusiast Justine Boone, the two multifaceted personalities embody the Caldera 8’s dynamic identity. Traversing across Chicago’s moody downtown terrain, Rand and Boone bring the adaptive silhouette to life, showcasing the brand’s latest foray into spaces that have only just begun to reveal themselves.
Having previously worked with renowned fixtures in footwear (see recent works with Jeff Staple and Extra Butter as valued case studies), Brooks now has the experience and savvy to dabble in the hype while still chasing its north star of elite-level performance. Resonating with the unyielding desire to continue after untapped possibilities, Don sees a lot of his brand in the cornerstone run shoe company.
“We don’t know where [RSVP] will be in 10-15 years because we’re still exploring,” he reflectively reveals. “It’s almost like being in a new city, we don’t know what’s around the next corner, but it's exciting."
I think we’re entering our next peak, and brands like Brooks are going to play a major part in helping us get there.
And to Don’s credit, he is right: the big city is the pinnacle of perceived unpredictability—to be honest, you have to be a little mad to choose this life willingly. But for some reason, the most daring and determined among us can always be found there. Maybe it's the aforementioned mystifying energy that pulls us in. Or could it be a bit of audacious ignorance guiding the decision? My bet is a blissful mix of both. Regardless, for those baring it all, somewhere in the madness—the hustle, the crowd, the noise—lies discovery and fulfillment, a pair of personal treasures waiting to be uncovered. You just have to take the first step.
Releasing on 8/15, shop the Brooks x RSVP Gallery Caldera 8 at brooksrunning.com.
