A Creative Partnership Faces Legal Scrutiny: Nike vs. Don C
The Legal Action Unveiled: Nike Targets Unpaid Invoices
Sportswear giant Nike has initiated legal proceedings against acclaimed streetwear designer Don C and his luxury retail establishment, RSVP Gallery. The lawsuit seeks restitution of nearly $200,000 USD, representing a significant sum of unpaid invoices for products supplied by Nike. This legal move marks a pronounced shift in the historically amicable and highly collaborative relationship shared by the designer and the global brand.
The Legacy of RSVP Gallery and Don C's Nike Collaborations
RSVP Gallery, a prominent retail space based in Chicago, was co-founded by Don C alongside the late Virgil Abloh. Over the past decade, the boutique has played a pivotal role in shaping and influencing streetwear culture worldwide. Don C's personal ties with Nike are equally significant, highlighted by successful collaborations such as the widely praised Air Jordan 2 series from 2015. This extensive history of creative partnership makes the current legal dispute a particularly compelling event, showcasing a clash between a long-term artistic ally and a major corporate entity.
Nike's Assertive Stance on Retailer Debts
The core of the legal complaint centers on an outstanding balance of $190,191.95 USD owed by RSVP Gallery for Nike merchandise. These invoices span a period from September 2023 to March 2024. This action by Nike is not an isolated incident; it follows a similar lawsuit, though later withdrawn, against another former collaborator, Edison Chen. Such consistent legal pursuits suggest an increasingly firm approach by Nike in managing unpaid accounts from its network of retail partners. This case therefore serves as a stark reminder of the intricate and sometimes contentious commercial dealings that underpin the vibrant and highly influential streetwear industry.