NEW YORK—Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka has come under fire for allegedly lifting the shoe designs for her clothing and accessories line from a celebrated Italian shoemaker.
The luxury brand Aquazzura on Tuesday filed Tuesday a federal complaint in Manhattan against Ivanka Trump and her manufacturer, Marc Fisher Footwear, for trade dress infringement, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices.
The Italian company said Ivanka Trump “copied nearly every detail” of the brand’s “well-known and coveted ‘Wild Thing Shoe’ from the shape and silhouette to the fringe covering the toes, to the tassel on the heel.”
Her manufacturer flatly rejected charges that Trump’s shoe designs were copied.
“This is a baseless lawsuit aimed at generating publicity,” said Matthew Burris, CFO of Marc Fisher Footwear.
“The shoe in question is representative of a trending fashion style, is not subject to intellectual property law protection and there are similar styles made by several major brands.”
Aquazzura’s ‘Wild Thing’ shoe was an immediate success, becoming the signature stiletto of stars including actress Jamie Chung, singer Solange Knowles — Beyonce’s sister — and model Kendall Jenner, selling stateside for 785 dollars.
Ivanka Trump’s “Hettie” style, which the Italian brand said mirrors their shoe, costs 145 dollars.
The Italian company requested an injunction prohibiting the sale and distribution of the “Hettie” shoe as well as damages not yet specified.
Aquazzura added in the complaint that this is not the first time Ivanka Trump has ripped off the company’s styles, citing the Belgravia model as an additional example.
A first hearing that could precede a trial is scheduled for August 30 in New York.
Ivanka Trump is the 34-year-old daughter and among the closest advisors to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
She also acts as vice president of talent and acquisitions for her father’s company, the Trump Organization.