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.

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, 2025

Exhibit 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, 2025

These 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, 2025