Aquazzura takes Ivanka Trump to court over shoe style

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Jun 23, 2016

Italian footwear company Aquazzura Italia has filed a lawsuit against Ivanka Trump, alleging the entrepreneur and designer copied the shoemaker's design.

Filed on Tuesday in the Manhattan federal court, the suit alleges trade dress infringement, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices against Trump. Trump's company, IT Collection and Marc Fisher, the manufacturer of Trump's shoes have been named defendants in the case.  

The Aquazzura shoe style in question called “Wild Thing.” The Italian firm claims it is identical to Trump's Hettie Shoe: both shoes featuring fringing on the toe and a pencil heel with another tassel fringe adorning the heel. As well as the shape and detail being the same, Aquazzura referred to the colour as identical.

Court documents revealed Aquazzura claims the alleged copying could cause consumer confusion in the markets and detract interest away from its shoe, the original design, which would lead to a loss of potential custom.

Venting its concerns on Instagram, Aquazzura said: "One of the most disturbing things in the fashion industry is when someone blatantly steals your copyright designs and doesn't care. You should know better. Shame on you @ivankatrump! Imitation is NOT the most sincere form of flattery."

Aquazzura's "Wild Thing" retails for $785 and has been worn by many celebrities, including Jamie Chung. Trump's "Hettie" stiletto sells for just $145.