Nike Sues Don C Over RSVP Gallery Debts

SummaryNike is suing streetwear pioneer Don C and his boutique, RSVP Gallery, for nearly $200,000 USD in unpaid invoicesThe lawsuit represents a public breakdown of the long-standing collaborative relationship between the designer and the brandIt highlights the complex business relationships that exist behind the scenes of the streetwear industryAdding to its growing list of lawsuits, Nike is suing streetwear pioneer Don C and his luxury boutique, RSVP Gallery for nearly $200,000 USD in unpaid goods. The lawsuit, filed in Illinois' Northern District Court, highlights a public breakdown in what has long been a celebrated and collaborative relationship between the designer and the sportswear giant.RSVP Gallery, the Chicago-based retail destination Don C co-founded with the late Virgil Abloh, has been a key player in shaping streetwear culture for over a decade. Meanwhile, Don C's relationship with Nike has been defined by high-profile collaborations, including the critically acclaimed Air Jordan 2 from his 2015 collaboration. This history makes the lawsuit a particularly dramatic development, as it pits a longtime creative partner against the company he has worked closely with for years.The lawsuit alleges that RSVP Gallery has an outstanding balance of $190,191.95 USD for Nike products, with invoices dating back from September 2023 to March 2024. The move is not an isolated incident for the brand; it follows a similar, though later-dismissed, lawsuit against former collaborator Edison Chen, signaling a more aggressive stance by Nike on unpaid invoices from its retail partners. The case serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and often contentious business relationships that exist behind the scenes of the highly influential streetwear industry.NIKE continues going after stores for non-payment. Yesterday, Nike USA filed a breach of contract lawsuit in Illinois against Donald Crawley, Jr. and RSVP Gallery for $190,191.95. ???? pic.twitter.com/lrv6jPQQeH— Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services℠ (@SneakerLegal) September 16, 2025Exhibit A shows the ownership structure of RSVP Gallery as 80/20, with Virgil Abloh holding 20%. Pretty wild that Nike is suing them over $190k. pic.twitter.com/3uFXKFMYzR— Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services℠ (@SneakerLegal) September 16, 2025These personal guarantees not only bring the media to these lawsuits but can cause serious issues for the individuals to deal with. As a business owner it's very important to take these agreements seriously. Even if "it's just sneakers." pic.twitter.com/PdRqrPJcc1— Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services℠ (@SneakerLegal) September 16, 2025Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

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Nike Sues Don C Over RSVP Gallery Debts

Summary

  • Nike is suing streetwear pioneer Don C and his boutique, RSVP Gallery, for nearly $200,000 USD in unpaid invoices
  • The lawsuit represents a public breakdown of the long-standing collaborative relationship between the designer and the brand
  • It highlights the complex business relationships that exist behind the scenes of the streetwear industry

Adding to its growing list of lawsuits, Nike is suing streetwear pioneer Don C and his luxury boutique, RSVP Gallery for nearly $200,000 USD in unpaid goods. The lawsuit, filed in Illinois' Northern District Court, highlights a public breakdown in what has long been a celebrated and collaborative relationship between the designer and the sportswear giant.

RSVP Gallery, the Chicago-based retail destination Don C co-founded with the late Virgil Abloh, has been a key player in shaping streetwear culture for over a decade. Meanwhile, Don C's relationship with Nike has been defined by high-profile collaborations, including the critically acclaimed Air Jordan 2 from his 2015 collaboration. This history makes the lawsuit a particularly dramatic development, as it pits a longtime creative partner against the company he has worked closely with for years.

The lawsuit alleges that RSVP Gallery has an outstanding balance of $190,191.95 USD for Nike products, with invoices dating back from September 2023 to March 2024. The move is not an isolated incident for the brand; it follows a similar, though later-dismissed, lawsuit against former collaborator Edison Chen, signaling a more aggressive stance by Nike on unpaid invoices from its retail partners. The case serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and often contentious business relationships that exist behind the scenes of the highly influential streetwear industry.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast