Pigalle

Pigalle is a Paris streetwear label founded by former basketball player Stéphane Ashpool and named after the city's Pigalle district. It makes basketball-inspired clothing and is known for its Nike collaborations and the colourful Pigalle Duperré basketball court.

What is Pigalle?

Pigalle is a French streetwear brand rooted in the Pigalle neighbourhood of Paris. It was founded by Stéphane Ashpool, a former basketball player who grew up in the area, and blends Parisian style with the culture of the basketball court.

Community and the court

Ashpool used the brand to create a gathering point for local young people. Working with Nike and LeBron James, he created a basketball court in the Pigalle neighbourhood, wedged between buildings on Rue Duperré, with the aim of bringing people together and offering local youth an alternative to street violence. The court also hosts Pigalle basketball tournaments.

Products and positioning

Pigalle offers hoops-inspired clothing and accessories that sit between streetwear and fashion. Its profile has been raised by collaborations, including:

• NikeLab Dunk High and other Nike projects
• Work with Stüssy through the Paris collective Pain O Chokolat, of which Pigalle is part
• A collaboration with G-Shock

Distribution

The brand sells through its Paris store, its website and selected retailers.

Why it matters

Pigalle is often cited as a pioneer of Paris streetwear and an example of a brand whose community projects carry as much weight as its product, influencing how sportswear giants work with local labels.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Pigalle?

Pigalle was founded by Stéphane Ashpool, a former basketball player from the Pigalle district of Paris.

What is the Pigalle basketball court?

It is a basketball court in the Pigalle district of Paris created by Stéphane Ashpool with Nike and LeBron James as a meeting place for local youth.

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