Designer A’lone Alakazia Sues Russell Simmons And Phat Fashions

Article written by: Rodrick Rainey
Posted on: August 20, 2004

Yesterday, a fashion designer slapped hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and his wife, Kimora, with a RICO civil suit, charging they ripped him off after he helped create a new clothing line and accessories for their urban-wear firm Phat Fashions.

Designer A’lone Alakazia is seeking “substantial damages” in the suit filed in Manhattan federal court, said his lawyer, Daniel Crupain.

The suit charges the Simmonses cheated Alakazia out of commissions and stole the credit for the “Baby Phat Pink” line and blocked him from attending the February fashion show unveiling the new line.

According to the suit, the Simmonses and Phat Farm promised that Alakazia would be given credit as the designer and creator of the new collection, be presented at the fashion show unveiling and promoting it, and be given 8 percent of gross sales.

But Alakazia claimed the Simmonses defrauded him by reneging on the major aspects of the agreement.

This is bad press coming right after the Simmon’s eye-opening news about Phat Industry’s shoes outselling the major competitors of Nike, Reebok, and Adidas in several of the nations major stores.

After all of Russell’s work politically and socially with the urban community, SoJones CEO was quick to respond to the designer’s allegations.

“Russell has does so much work for the community and with Hip-Hop fashion that I’m almost sure he barely oversaw what was going on with this designer” said Rod Rainey on the late breaking news. “Alakazia is upset but I’m sure this whole thing will blow over with this designer gaining credit. Right now, I think it’s just a designer wanting to get more than what was agreed because they got an idea of how successful their product was. If it’s not on paper, might be a little worse for him.”

Details on the case will be reported in the SoJones.com fashion forum as they become available.