Did Ivanka Trump Plagiarize A Shoe?
If you want something done well, you do it yourself. If you want to get sued by an Italian atelier for stealing their high-end shoe design and selling it under your own brand’s name, let someone else do the work for you.
This is the latest conundrum Ivanka Trump is facing. The heiress turned fashion designer turned political advisor has been hit with a lawsuit thanks to Aquazzura, a luxury footwear brand that’s accusing Trump of plagiarizing one of their designs. Trump says she had nothing to do with the design of the shoe, casting the blame instead upon business partner Marc Fisher.
“My involvement was strictly limited to the final sign-off of each season’s line after it was first reviewed and approved by the company’s design team,” said Trump in a declaration filed with the court.
The offending shoe in question is Trump’s “Hettie” sandal. Aquazzura alleges the design for the “Hettie” sandal was stolen from its “Wild Thing” shoe.
Does the fashion line have a case? The shoes are undeniably similar. They’re both red, have impractically high heels, and, above all, are very ugly.
The suit also alleges this is not the first time that Trump has used Aquazzura for – ahem – inspiration.
The Trump heiress will have to testify – despite having attempted to get out of it – in court.
Becky Scott is the editor of The Schmooze. Follow her on Twitter at @arr_scott
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
